Share a time when you had a disagreement with a member of your team.

Question Analysis

This question is probing your ability to handle conflict and work collaboratively even when disagreements arise. The interviewer is interested in understanding your conflict resolution skills, your ability to communicate effectively, and how you maintain professional relationships. Demonstrating how you navigate disagreements can showcase your emotional intelligence and teamwork skills.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was part of a team responsible for launching a new product. During the planning phase, I had a disagreement with one of the team members regarding the marketing strategy. They believed we should focus solely on digital marketing, while I felt that a mix of digital and traditional marketing would be more effective.

Task: My task was to ensure the team reached a consensus on the marketing strategy that would best promote the product and align with our target audience.

Action: I initiated a meeting with the team member to understand their perspective thoroughly. I listened to their reasons for preferring a digital-only approach and shared my thoughts on why a mixed strategy might be more beneficial. To find common ground, I suggested we look at data from previous campaigns to see what had worked well. We also agreed to consult with the marketing team for additional insights.

Result: After reviewing the data and receiving input from the marketing specialists, we concluded that a combined approach was indeed the most effective strategy. The team member appreciated the open dialogue and data-driven decision-making process. Ultimately, the launch was successful, and our marketing efforts exceeded the initial targets.

By using the STAR method, I demonstrated effective conflict resolution, active listening, and collaboration, which resulted in a positive outcome for the team.