Share a time when you had a disagreement with a teammate.

Question Analysis

This question is asking you to demonstrate your ability to handle conflicts and disagreements professionally and constructively. The interviewer is interested in your interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and how you approach collaborative challenges. It's important to show that you can maintain a positive working relationship while addressing differences of opinion.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was working on a critical project with a tight deadline. A teammate and I disagreed on the approach to handle a specific task that was pivotal to the project's success.

Task: My task was to ensure that the project stayed on track and met the deadline while incorporating diverse inputs to reach the best possible outcome.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my teammate to discuss our differing viewpoints. I actively listened to their perspective and acknowledged their concerns. I then shared my viewpoint, focusing on the project's goals and how my approach aligned with them. We explored the pros and cons of each approach together and brainstormed a compromise that would incorporate the best aspects of both strategies.

Result: As a result, we agreed on a hybrid approach that improved the efficiency of the task. This not only helped us meet the project deadline but also enhanced team collaboration and strengthened our professional relationship. The project was completed successfully, and the client was very satisfied with the outcome.

By using the STAR method, I effectively addressed the disagreement and turned it into a productive outcome.