How do you deal with conflict?
To provide an excellent response to this question, assure your interviewer that you are a good listener who can consider alternative viewpoints without getting offended. You may also discuss how a private space can be used for dispute resolution—purpose to provide an example where possible and how you successfully applied your techniques.
In a conflict situation, I consciously readjust my attitude. Which means I try to listen to the perspective of the other person without being aggressive. I always seek to shift the dispute to a private space in order to prevent more complications. This has helped me several times in my formal workplace to prevent little arguments from escalating to bigger ones. And it has proven successful each time for me.
Can you recall a time of conflict with a coworker?
Questions regarding actions demand that you explain how you behave in a real-life scenario. This sort of question is being posed by potential employers to know more about your personality. Previous behavior also shows how you will respond in similar circumstances in the future, so make sure to offer an example you are proud of or clarify the things you have gained from the encounter. Instead of focusing on the dispute itself, it is necessary to highlight the agreement that took place.
I worked on an IT project as a project manager, and one technician was constantly late in completing the tasks. He responded aggressively when I confronted him about it. I stayed calm and acknowledged the deadlines were daunting and asked if I could help him improve his results. He cooled down and told me he was participating in another project where he had to perform tasks that were not in his job description. After a discussion with the other project manager, we came up with a resolution that eased the workload of the technician. The technician provided excellent work for the remainder of the project.
Tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss.?
Although interviewers also want to know that prospective candidates are truthful and have clear views, they also want new members of the team to be someone that respects and obeys authority. When addressing this question, it is best to note the following; First, refrain from saying anything degrading about your former manager, as your interviewer/employer is likely to interpret this as an unprofessional behavior. Second, make sure the reaction demonstrates that you respect authority and people in power and as well ready to follow instructions.
In some situations, when I disagreed with a supervisor, I felt it was important to voice my opinion, and it actually proved beneficial. For example, the unfriendly behavior of a former manager had a negative impact on my work, and I began to lose enthusiasm and job satisfaction. Finally, I called for a meeting and told him how I felt in a calm and respectful way. To my surprise and delight, he told me that he was having problems with his personal life and that he could not cope well. He made an effort to be less harsh after that, and I got more understanding.
Behavioral - Interview Questions
