What is one time you had to stand up and disagree with a team member's approach?

Question Analysis

This question is a classic behavioral interview question designed to assess your ability to handle conflict and disagreement in a professional setting. Employers are interested in understanding your conflict resolution skills, your ability to communicate effectively, and how you maintain professionalism and respect even when you disagree. The interviewer is looking for insights into your decision-making process and your ability to stand up for your beliefs while considering the team's overall goals. To answer this question effectively, you should use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, our team was tasked with developing a new feature for our product. One of my team members proposed an approach that involved using a new, untested technology.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure the project was delivered on time and met our quality standards. I had concerns that using this new technology would introduce risks and potential delays to our timeline.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with the team member to discuss my concerns. I presented data from previous projects that highlighted the importance of using reliable technologies for on-time delivery. I proposed an alternative approach using a technology we had successfully implemented before. I made sure to listen to his points and acknowledged the potential benefits of his approach, and we collaboratively weighed the pros and cons of each option.

Result: After a thorough discussion, the team agreed to proceed with the more reliable technology. This decision allowed us to complete the project on schedule without compromising on quality. Moreover, my team member appreciated the open dialogue, and we maintained a strong working relationship, fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect within the team.