Please describe a conflict with your manager.

Question Analysis

The question asks you to describe a conflict you've had with a manager, which is a common behavioral interview question. The interviewer wants to assess your conflict resolution skills, ability to work under challenging situations, and how you maintain professionalism. It's important to show that you can handle disagreements maturely and constructively. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your response clearly.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, I was involved in a major project with a tight deadline. My manager had a different approach to prioritizing tasks than what I believed was effective for the project's success.

Task: My task was to ensure that the project was completed on time without compromising quality. I needed to address the prioritization issue without causing any friction or misunderstanding.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss my concerns. I prepared by gathering data on project requirements and timelines to support my perspective. During the meeting, I expressed my understanding of his approach and then presented my analysis which suggested a different prioritization strategy. I emphasized the potential benefits while showing respect for his overall strategy.

Result: After discussing our perspectives, we reached a consensus on a revised plan that combined elements of both our approaches. This not only improved the project's workflow but also strengthened our professional relationship. Ultimately, the project was completed on time and exceeded quality expectations, demonstrating the effectiveness of our collaborative resolution.