Describe a time when you disagreed with your manager.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle conflict, communicate effectively, and maintain professionalism in the workplace. The interviewer wants to understand how you navigate situations where your perspective differs from that of someone in authority, such as your manager. It is important to demonstrate that you can manage disagreements constructively and maturely, without damaging relationships or workplace harmony.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, we were nearing the final phase of a major project. My manager proposed a change in the timeline, which I believed would compromise the quality of our deliverables.

Task: I needed to address my concerns with my manager and ensure that the project met our quality standards without negatively impacting the team’s workload or morale.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss my concerns. I presented data from previous projects that showed how similar timeline adjustments had led to rushed work and errors. I also suggested a revised timeline that incorporated additional resources to maintain quality without significant delays.

Result: After reviewing the data and considering my proposal, my manager agreed to adjust the timeline slightly and allocate additional resources. This decision allowed us to complete the project on time while maintaining high quality. The outcome strengthened our team’s relationship and demonstrated the value of open communication and collaboration.