Can you tell me about a time when you disagreed with a team member's approach?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your conflict resolution skills, ability to work in a team, and how you handle disagreements professionally. Interviewers want to know if you can navigate differences of opinion constructively and reach beneficial outcomes. Utilizing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help you structure your answer effectively, demonstrating your ability to handle conflicts in a positive and productive manner.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, our team was tasked with developing a new feature for our mobile application. One of my team members proposed a solution that involved using a new, untested technology that I felt could potentially delay our timeline.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure the project stayed on schedule while maintaining quality. It was crucial to address the disagreement and align the team on the best approach moving forward.

Action: I initiated a meeting with the team member to discuss their approach in more detail. I listened to their rationale and then shared my concerns about the potential risks. To find a middle ground, I suggested we conduct a quick feasibility test of the new technology within a week. This would allow us to evaluate its viability without significantly impacting the project timeline. The team member agreed to this plan.

Result: The test revealed that the new technology was indeed viable, and it was incorporated into our project without any delays. This not only improved the application’s performance but also enhanced team collaboration, as we felt more united in our approach after resolving the disagreement constructively. This experience underscored the importance of open communication and flexibility when working in a team.