Describe a specific occasion where you and your manager had differing opinions and how you navigated through the disagreement.

Question Analysis

This behavioral interview question aims to assess your conflict resolution skills, ability to communicate effectively, and how you handle situations where you and a superior have differing opinions. The interviewer is looking for evidence of your ability to professionally and constructively resolve disagreements while maintaining a positive working relationship. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help structure your response.

Answer

Situation:
In my previous role as a marketing coordinator, my manager and I had different opinions on the direction of a new advertising campaign. The manager wanted to focus on traditional media outlets, whereas I believed we should allocate more resources towards digital platforms to better reach our target demographic.

Task:
My task was to present a compelling case for the digital approach, highlighting potential benefits and addressing any concerns my manager might have had.

Action:
I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss our differing opinions. Before the meeting, I gathered data and case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of digital marketing in our industry. During the meeting, I listened carefully to my manager's perspective and acknowledged the value of traditional media. I then presented my findings, focusing on the potential for increased engagement and reach with digital platforms. I suggested a test campaign to evaluate the performance of both strategies.

Result:
As a result of our discussion, my manager agreed to run a pilot project incorporating both traditional and digital media. The campaign's digital component significantly outperformed expectations, leading to increased investment in digital strategies for future campaigns. This experience not only strengthened our working relationship but also contributed to the success of the company's marketing efforts.