Share a story about a time when you disagreed with the approach of a team member.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and professionalism. Interviewers want to understand how you handle disagreements, maintain professional relationships, and whether you can collaborate effectively. They are looking for examples of your ability to communicate your viewpoint while respecting the perspectives of others. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help you structure your response in a clear and coherent manner.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was part of a team working on a critical product launch. A team member proposed a marketing strategy that, in my opinion, didn't align with the target audience's needs.

Task: My task was to ensure the project's success by suggesting an alternative strategy while maintaining a positive team dynamic.

Action: I arranged a meeting with the team member to discuss the strategy. I started by acknowledging the effort they put into their proposal. Then, I shared my perspective, highlighting data and customer feedback that suggested a different approach might be more effective. I proposed an alternative strategy and invited them to discuss its potential impact.

Result: After an open discussion, we reached a consensus to test both strategies in a smaller market segment. This approach allowed us to gather valuable insights, ultimately leading to a successful product launch. The team member appreciated the collaborative approach, and we continued to work well together on future projects.

By using the STAR method, this answer clearly outlines the situation, task, action, and result, demonstrating your ability to handle disagreements professionally and collaboratively.