What was a time when you had to disagree with the approach taken by a team member?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle conflict, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively within a team. The interviewer wants to understand how you navigate disagreements and whether you can maintain professionalism and contribute positively to team dynamics. They are looking for evidence of your problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to find constructive solutions. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help structure your response effectively.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, our team was tasked with developing a new feature for our application. One of our team members proposed an approach that involved using a technology stack that was unfamiliar to most of the team.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure that the project was completed on time and within budget, while also maintaining high-quality standards.

Action: I approached the team member privately to discuss my concerns about the proposed technology stack. I expressed my appreciation for their innovative thinking but also shared my concerns about the learning curve and potential delays. I suggested considering alternative technologies that the team was more familiar with and offered to facilitate a team meeting to evaluate both options.

Result: After the discussion, the team decided to conduct a quick feasibility study on both approaches. The study revealed that using the familiar technology stack would save us significant time and resources. The team member appreciated the collaborative approach and was fully on board with the final decision. Ultimately, the project was completed successfully, on time, and with positive feedback from our clients.