I want to know about a time when you disagreed with your boss or a manager

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your conflict resolution skills, communication abilities, and how you handle disagreements in a professional setting. The interviewer is interested in understanding whether you can disagree respectfully, find common ground, and work towards a solution that considers both your perspective and your manager's. It's important to demonstrate that you can maintain professionalism and contribute positively to team dynamics even when there are differences in opinion.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a marketing coordinator, our team was tasked with launching a new campaign. My manager proposed a strategy that heavily relied on traditional media, which I felt would not reach our target audience effectively.

Task: I believed that incorporating digital channels would better engage our audience and yield higher returns. My task was to present this alternative approach to my manager while respecting her perspective and authority.

Action: I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with my manager to discuss my concerns. I prepared data and case studies to support my viewpoint. During the meeting, I acknowledged her strategy's merits, then calmly presented my findings on the advantages of a digital-first approach. I emphasized the potential for better engagement and cost-effectiveness.

Result: My manager appreciated my initiative and the evidence-based approach I took. After our discussion, she agreed to integrate more digital channels into the campaign. The resultant campaign achieved a 30% higher engagement rate than similar past initiatives, demonstrating the value of the blended strategy.

By using the STAR method, I was able to effectively communicate my disagreement and contribute to a successful outcome while maintaining a positive working relationship with my manager.