Can you narrate a situation when you had a difference in opinion with a team member?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle interpersonal conflicts and work collaboratively in a team setting. Employers want to see that you can navigate differences in opinion constructively and that you have the communication and problem-solving skills necessary to reach a resolution. This is a behavioral question, so you should use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Answer

Situation:
In my previous role as a project manager, we were working on a major project with a tight deadline. I had a difference in opinion with a team member who believed we should prioritize certain tasks differently to align with their department's goals.

Task:
Our task was to find a way to balance the priorities of different departments while ensuring the project stayed on schedule and met the company's overall objectives.

Action:
I scheduled a meeting with the team member to discuss our differing viewpoints. During the meeting, I actively listened to their concerns and shared my perspective on the project's priorities. I proposed we collaborate to develop a project timeline that addressed both of our concerns. We decided to involve other key stakeholders in the discussion to ensure alignment across departments.

Result:
As a result of our collaboration, we developed a revised project plan that balanced the priorities of all departments involved. This not only helped us meet the project deadline but also strengthened our working relationship and improved team cohesion. The project was completed successfully, demonstrating the value of open communication and collaboration.