When did you last disagree with your boss or executive?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle disagreements in a professional setting. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you manage conflict, your communication skills, and your ability to maintain a positive working relationship with your superiors. They want to see if you can express your opinions respectfully and whether you can resolve differences effectively.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, I was responsible for managing timelines and resources for various projects. During one project, my manager proposed a timeline that I believed was too tight, risking the quality of the deliverables.

Task: My task was to ensure that the project was completed on time without compromising quality, while also addressing my manager's expectations.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss my concerns. I prepared data and examples from past projects to illustrate how a slightly extended timeline could lead to better outcomes. During the meeting, I respectfully expressed my concerns and presented my data, emphasizing the importance of quality and team workload.

Result: My manager appreciated my proactive approach and agreed to review the timeline. After considering my input, we adjusted the schedule slightly, which allowed the team to deliver a higher quality project. This also strengthened our working relationship as it demonstrated my commitment to the project's success and my ability to communicate effectively.

By using the STAR method, you provide a structured and clear response that highlights your problem-solving skills and ability to handle disagreements professionally.