Let me know about a time when you disagreed with someone on your team.

Question Analysis

This question seeks to understand how you handle disagreements in a team setting. It tests your interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and your capacity to work collaboratively despite differences. The interviewer is looking for evidence of your ability to manage conflicts constructively and maintain a positive team dynamic. A strong answer will demonstrate your ability to navigate disagreements professionally and find a resolution that benefits the team and project.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, our team was working on a high-stakes project with a tight deadline. During a team meeting, I disagreed with a colleague who proposed a new approach that I believed could potentially delay the project.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure the project stayed on track and that any approach we adopted would deliver results within the deadline without compromising quality.

Action: I approached my colleague after the meeting and expressed my concerns about the potential risks associated with their proposed approach. I suggested we review the project requirements together to ensure all aspects were considered. By facilitating a small group discussion, including our project lead, we explored both the pros and cons of the proposed approach. I also presented an alternative solution that could meet the project goals while minimizing risk.

Result: After reviewing both approaches, the team decided to integrate elements from both solutions. This hybrid approach allowed us to leverage innovative ideas while keeping the project on schedule. Ultimately, the project was completed successfully, and my colleague appreciated the collaborative effort, which strengthened our team dynamics.