When did you last disagree with your boss or executive?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to understand how you handle disagreements, especially with authority figures like a boss or executive. The interviewer is looking to assess your communication skills, professionalism, and ability to resolve conflicts effectively. They are interested in knowing how you balance asserting your viewpoint while maintaining respect and building a constructive relationship. Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method will help you structure your response clearly.

Answer

Situation: During a project last year, our team was tasked with launching a new marketing campaign. My boss proposed a strategy that focused heavily on traditional media, but I believed that a digital-first approach would better reach our target audience.

Task: I needed to convince my boss of the benefits of incorporating more digital elements into our strategy while respecting his experience and authority.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my boss and came prepared with data and examples of successful digital campaigns from similar companies. I presented my case, highlighting the potential for increased engagement and cost-effectiveness. I also acknowledged the value of traditional media, suggesting a balanced approach that integrated both methods.

Result: My boss appreciated my initiative and the evidence-based argument I presented. We decided to adjust the strategy to include a more significant digital component. The campaign ultimately exceeded our engagement targets by 20%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the integrated approach. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication and evidence-based discussions in decision-making processes.