conflict with your boss interview question

She came with strong references and had a stunning portfolio of work. Next, I pulled the three of us together into a private boardroom. Being asked, "Tell me about a time you had a conflict with your boss," in a job interview can feel like a trick. The interviewer wants to know that you can handle stressful or uncomfortable situations with a client and focus on problem-solving. One time that I disagreed with my boss was when he wanted one of my reports to meet an earlier deadline than usual so he could present it at the next meeting with the client. At that point, he agreed that there was a level of ambiguity in the question, but still would not change the grade of the test. The interviewer is looking for information that normally would not be offered on the resume or as part of the standard interview response--how the candidate deals with conflict. How are you at dealing with conflict? Good luck with your interviews and job search journey! I believe this approach is why the Sales Director agreed to come to a compromise. Task: Our task was to resolve the customer complaint effectively, ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining the companys reputation. While the informal in-person request worked for the day shift, it didnt work for the night shift. Holding back so that you could build prototypes and evangelize was smart. He usually posts the schedule for the week on a Monday morning and Ill see it on Monday night. Now, I've decided that I can only control my actions. Create a compelling with our Resume Builder, which provides user-friendly templates and helpful tips to help you craft an impressive document. Therefore, any date prior to 2019 might not be accurate. Learn more here. They want to understand if you work well with others, have a solution-oriented mindset and learn from these experiences to prevent further issues in the future. Set the stage! Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Talk me about a time' are best answered using the STAR method. What was the end result? How to answer conflict-resolution interview questions. It sounds like you got mixed results but at least were then able to know where each person stood and who you could count on to contribute or not. ", An example of how to best answer this question for an entry level candidate: I said I appreciated her willingness to help new hires. Portsmouth, NH 03801. There is an art to giving feedback that doesn't hurt feelings or create unnecessary conflict. (Task) As the Sales Lead, I felt it was time to speak with them about the tension they were creating for others. The manager also knows that if there is an issue in the future, the employee will point it out long before the last minute. It made working with them, or even near them, an unpleasant experience. How was it resolved? I have always respected the chain of command, whether that be at work or school. We do this by creating interview questions that we think you might be asked. CollegeGrad is the #1 entry level job site for college students and recent grads. One example of my being direct is when one of my employees delivers a report with errors. If youre just starting out in your career, its possible that you havent had enough experience to have a conflict with your boss. We asked the technical writer to create the first draft from some general headings and bullet points. Reflect on your previous experiences and conflicts with colleagues. Answer Example. If applicable, discuss any formal training you have received on giving feedback or a book you have read on the topic. Transparency and authenticity are crucial for building trust. Because of my willingness to take control of my onboarding, I had a very successful start. Finding common ground with your boss, despite disagreeing with them, shows the interviewer that your desire to collaborate is stronger than your need to be correct. This would be an immediate red flag for the hiring manager that youre difficult to work with. Staying away from personal issues is essential since it comes across as petty. We implemented a solution that involved personalized support, additional product assistance, and a partial refund. ", "I've always found that I need to show the other person, in detail, the error of their ways, then they will eventually come around to seeing my way being the best way to do things. Be sure to pick a genuine issue at work with your boss over a work-related issue that was resolved! The interview question, Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss, might seem daunting to answer, but interviewers dont want to see you fail. Focus on when your work style was different from another person, but perhaps you still had to complete a project together. Do you open up or close down in conflict situations? Link your experience of handling disagreements with your boss to demonstrate how it has prepared you for the challenges of the position youre interviewing for. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can deliver a polished and effective response demonstrating your professionalism, problem-solving skills, and ability to navigate conflicts constructively. Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker and resolved it? Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time' are best answered using the STAR method. Here's the Secret to Answering "Tell Me About a Time You Had a Conflict We both walked away with more understanding of how the other person works and whats required to get the job done., This employees answer is spot-on! On Friday, he called me up and demanded to know where I was. So what is the question? The interviewer will appreciate that you were able to talk through a disagreement with your colleague and come to a compromise. An ideal answer would have you in the role of resolving the conflict using at least one of the following: communication- did you need to listen to the other side, discuss what you did agree on, or clarify any past communication? Being asked tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss in a job interview feels like a trap. Start by describing the context and your role in the situation (Situation). By understanding the underlying motivations behind why employers ask this question, you can prepare a well-rounded response that addresses their concerns and highlights your strengths in conflict management, communication, problem-solving, and cultural fit. In an HR Interview, it is common to ask candidates about their relationships with previous bosses/managers/professors, etc. For example, one school may have requested 70 T-shirts and 100 bracelets. If you're preparing for an upcoming interview, it may be helpful for you to learn more about this type of question. The crucial part of your answer is your storys ending. Perhaps you were able to step in and reallocate the work among your team members. When asked tell me about a time that you disagreed with your boss no one wants to hear the answer Oh, which time? I told her that our clients complimented her customer service skills. ", "Yes, I do consider myself to be direct with others. What do you do when you disagree with others? I took the time to explain this to him, but he disagreed. So I chose to agree that her product ideas should get the immediate go-ahead. He had sent a rather urgent e-mail acusing us of derailing his project. The photographer became defensive and explained that she was in high demand and did not deserve criticism. Structure your answer using the STAR method for an account thats concise and easy to follow. Since the interviewer asks, 'How would you' it is acceptable to use a hypothetical example, giving an overview of how you would react in this situation. Give an actual example of a resolved conflict, walking through the situation which brought up the conflict, what actions you took to resolve the conflict and the end result. When you are confronted with a conflict in an interview, you may find yourself off-guard and forced to discuss an unpleasant work situation. Situation: As a Project Manager, I encountered a disagreement with my boss regarding allocating resources for a critical project. Interviewers ask behavioral interview questions about conflicts at work to understand how you respond to challenges in the workplace. Since the question asks you to 'Talk about a time when' the interviewer wants a real-life example of when you felt conflicted in the workplace. In this article, we discuss the interview question "Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with your boss," including why employers ask this question, how to answer it and example answers. Focus on sharing an experience that is fairly simple to explain and demonstrates . Instead, focus on the constructive aspects of the disagreement and how you handled it professionally. Being asked "tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss" in a job interview feels like a trap. Don't interrupt. For example: "A colleague once told me I was answering the phone . Answer this question with the following tips in mind: Don't make any negative remarks about your supervisor. Explain how you analyzed the situation objectively, considered alternative solutions, and collaborated with your boss to find a mutually agreeable outcome. The Sales Director finally agreed that if the team member missed their targets for another 30 days, we would move forward with termination. They continued to be competitive with each other; however, more constructively.". Avoid instances where you were the one that caused the conflict, include a display of immaturity, or make it seem like you have a temper. There will be future conflicts because conflicts are inevitable. How To Talk About Conflict With Your Boss in an Interview Interview questions and answers were first added by Rachelle Enns on September 5th, 2021. interviewing - How should I answer "Tell me about a time you had a Here are things to remember when answering conflict and disagreement interview questions: 1. Did the manager ask you to do something, but without the proper tools? (Action) To overcome these feelings of intimidation and ensure that I performed my admin tasks up to my employers' expectations, I made myself a telephone script and memorized it. I learned from the situation that it's often better to be kind than to be right. She replied by telling me that she and her wife had been together for 15 years. I like to have a clear idea of who to turn to when I have needs, who to ask when I have questions, and what to strive for as I gain momentum in my career.". But having conflict is a healthy thing. It was up to me to bridge the gap. The HR Manager sat with me. Once the hiring manager understands the situation, they will understand what you were up against. Talk about a time when you had to work closely with someone who had a problematic personality. (Action) To ensure I did not take their insults personally, I maintained that upset people want to be heard and feel respected. We have that covered here: This question is not the time to talk about how wrong your boss was that one time or how much you couldnt stand a company policy and then didnt do anything about it. Using the STAR interview method (an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result), you can form an easy-to-follow and engaging story-based response. On the other hand, he believed that positive thoughts changed future outcomes - the exact opposite of my approach. Be prepared Prepare a response to questions about conflict before receiving them. One, I could have become offended and angry that the company didn't seem to care about my arrival. There is also a natural fight response, causing some individuals to become defensive and combative when conflict arises. Finally, share the positive outcome or lessons learned from the experience (Result). I emphasized the importance of work-life balance and preserving team morale. It wasn't necessarily the solution we were seeking, but it was a compromise that was acceptable. Questions like "Have you ever had a conflict with your previous boss/professor?" are commonly asked in interviews. Your interviewers have adapted it to an academic setting in a narrower-than-usual way - outside of academia, the question would just be "How do you deal with conflict . Here we have given a guide to tackle these questions. Boris Johnson has called for NATO to set out a clear timetable for Ukraine to join the alliance - and claimed some member nations still want to negotiate a peace . Think about your previous experience. I got battered and bruised growing up that way, but I learned how to come out swinging and make my way in the world. He usually comes in an hour after Ive left and vice versa. I actually welcome conflict. Gabriela Hernandez Career Advice Contributor. Explain the task and the specific points of contention (Task). We wanted to create a resolution with this person. I decided to approach the coworker once the timing was appropriate and apologize for my behavior. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. You could say instead that the product manager didn't want to add your ideas because she was focused on her own agenda. This particular customers' situation was more complex than others, so I took the time to research their account and find a solution rather than excuses. And we eventually built mutual respect that helped us work together to fix the profitability issues. The interviewer would like evidence that you are a professional who can face conflict in the workplace and maintain a level of professionalism, allowing you to find a solution without worsening or ignoring the situation. Reflect on these somewhat uncomfortable experiences and honestly discuss how it helped you develop new skills, improve your approach, or broaden your perspective. This photographer had experience with food staging and food photography. You can form a story-based response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. I brought it up to the professor privately and personally, but he was dismissive of my request. By now, you probably have a few ideas of what times you can discuss at your job interview! Two, I could have allowed nerves to kick in and feel uncomfortable on my first day. education, training and experience. On the flip side, if there is a concern with my work, I appreciate my boss approaching me promptly while outlining what needs repair. They just want to analyze how you handle communicating your ideas professionally even if they go against what your superior thinks. Your ability to adapt to various people, regardless of a positive personality match, shows that you are mature and professional even when factors are not entirely ideal. Avoid examples where you were the one that caused the conflict. Did you approach your boss for a one-on-one conversation? Show the interviewer that you have excellent leadership abilities by discussing how you redistribute the workload when a team member is not pulling their weight. By initiating an open conversation with this person, we were able to uncover his need. For instance, an interviewer may ask a candidate to describe a time they experienced a disagreement and advocated for themselves to understand how they deal with workplace conflict. There are tons of ways to answer the question, "Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss," depending on the situations that you've experienced. However, if you want to use a real-life example, try forming a response using the STAR method. You can show that youre willing to take ownership of the issue and then solve it. Answer a few questions about yourself and it makes a cover letter for you! I let my supervisor know that I would do what I could from there until my workspace was ready. How did you find common ground? The following section will provide practical strategies to craft a compelling answer that leaves a positive impression on your interviewer. After asking a few questions, they spotlighted the fact that it seemed I was so focused on getting an answer that I didn't consider the impact my interruption had on the other employee. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with state television, part of which was released on Sunday, that Ukraine's counteroffensive was "not succeeding . I proposed an alternative approach that offered additional value-added services instead of a substantial discount. Our date tracking prior to 2019 was not accurately kept. I emphasized the long-term value of customer retention and the potential negative impact of widespread full refunds on the companys bottom line. At that point, he agreed that there was a level of ambiguity in the question, but still would not change the grade of the test. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer. Again, the best thing you can do is be honest, concise and clear about how you learned a valuable lesson and it set you up to be a more valuable resource for the company for which . This is exactly what the hiring manager wants to hear. Failing to Connect to the Job: Remember to align your answer with the job requirements you are applying for. Interview Question: "How Do You Handle Conflict With Coworkers?" - Indeed Put all of your initial energy into understanding, appreciating, and empathizing with their point of view. A behavioral interview question is one in which you are asked to tell me about an incident in which you disagreed with a coworker. That employee is now invaluable to the manager. Talk briefly about the conflict, but focus on the resolution of the conflict. Conflict Resolution Interview Questions: Example Answers & Tips Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Talk about a time' are best answered using the STAR method. That relationship management job taught me so much about people. How Do You Handle Conflict With Your Boss Interview Question (New Info But what I could do is give them the benefit of the doubt. NESC Staffing can provide the resources you need to achieve your business goals. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.Avoid extreme responses that include speaking negatively of others or naming people. Coming from a STEM background, my approach was data-driven, deep-diving into metrics, contextualising the results, and proposing measurable actions that would move the metrics. If not, start at the beginning to ensure handling conflict with your boss as a new manager is a positive experience by: Acknowledging and Respecting the Other's Position. Oversharing or Confidentiality Breach: While providing sufficient context and details is crucial, be mindful of sharing confidential or sensitive information that could breach trust or violate professional boundaries. Is it bad not to answer the "Tell me how you behaved in a situation of This person had been working on an incredibly tight deadline on a project that would significantly impact their sales numbers for the quarter. I wanted to get to know her during the tour, but in error, I made some assumptions that I should not have. I set clear communication boundaries by remaining calm and respectful during the entire 40-minute call. Equity means providing equal opportunity and equal access to everyone, no matter their situation. Some responded positively because they hadnt known how to contribute. I also could have told her, unfiltered, how I felt about her professionalism. Tough Interview Question: Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or Once we had the opportunity to communicate our independent priorities, we could begin talking about our shared priorities. Task: Despite the disagreement, our job was to create an impactful campaign within a tight deadline while aligning with the companys goals and brand identity. This isnt the time to talk about when you corrected your boss when they made a mistake. To demonstrate that you can resolve small disagreements without the need to consult with your boss, you must be able to do so. The interviewer wants to know how well you work with others despite a difference in personality. They want to understand how you navigate these conversations, advocate for your ideas, and find common ground while maintaining professionalism. Avoid speaking negatively about anyone and keep your answer focused on the solution you created and the positive outcome of your actions. The client appreciated the added value and agreed to the revised terms. "I've always found that I need to show the other person, in detail, the error of their ways, then they will eventually come around to seeing my way being the best way to do things. What the Interviewer Wants To Know Your responses to questions about previous supervisors will give interviewers a sense of how you'll work with your next manager. "(Situation) Last year, my Sales Director and I disagreed on the pending termination of one of my sales team members. After coming to a middle ground, I created a plan to spend five additional hours per week training this team member for three weeks. (Action) I recently addressed the situation with him directly and in private. With this method, I offer up three strengths and three potential areas for development. Because I was honest and upfront with this team member without being combative or accusatory, she absolved the feedback, and we avoided the situation from turning into a conflict. If you dont have an example, dont just say thats never happened to me! and nothing else. Reaching out privately to each person was a smart way to handle the issue. Still, it would compromise the quality of deliverables and lead to burnout among team members. Here are a few reasons why employers commonly ask this question: Disagreements in the workplace are inevitable, and employers want to gauge your ability to handle such situations professionally. This sales rep is still with us and often lands on the company's 'Top 10' list for sales performance. Effective communication is vital in any work environment. How To Answer Questions About Conflict In An Interview You clearly explain what the conflict was about, what your role was, and how you both reached a successful conclusion in the end. How did you prevent this from happening again? I had incorrectly assumed she wanted facts when what she wanted was reassurance. Contact us here. "(Situation & Task) Earlier in my admin career, I had a couple of clients who would be very aggressive on the phone when placing their orders. Stay professional! (Situation & Task) Many years ago, I had a boss who made me feel uncomfortable. One example of my being direct is when one of my employees delivers a report with errors. Can you tell me about a time you made a mistake? Did you have the right computer program or were you using a substitute? I asked if my other responsibilities could wait or if someone else could take over temporarily. You can even take a minute before answering by saying, Let me think for a minute. before responding. How To Answer Conflict-Resolution Behavioral Interview Questions I give an extra 25% output for all cold calls, documentation, and prospecting activities. Focus on a work scenario and a time when you and your boss didnt see eye-to-eye. Lets break down why: when getting the request for the report, the employee immediately communicates to the right person that this wont be able to happen with things staying as they are. We dont need anything else except the story itself. Also, avoid telling the interviewer that you get along with everyone all the time. Gabriela Hernandez is one of LiveCareer's resident writers. Once the project was complete, the photographer apologized for being unreliable initially and said thank you for the second chance. Since this incident, I have taken sensitivity coursework online and am continually erasing the habit of making assumptions of others.". Tell Me About A Time When You Had A Conflict With Your Boss Good job! How to Answer Interview Questions About Conflict: 3 Strategies This isnt about whether or not you were right; its about. No, this question really isnt about you versus your boss. . Everyone should understand their responsibilities and accountabilities while respecting boundaries within the team, and I believe a chain of command helps achieve those goals. Provide an example. So what action did you do? "(Situation & Task) While working for Restaurant Franchise XYZ, I was in charge of the marketing and launch of our new summer menu. I could see that this person was highly emotional and attached to her work, so I stepped back a bit to not worsen the situation. (Result) So far, my increased output has compensated for my co-workers' lower metrics. Excellent answer. (Result) Remarkably, his performance improved by over 40%! Still, I believed it would devalue our product and undermine our profitability. Confidently answering interview questions about conflict resolution can show your ability to work with others, handle stress, and problem-solve effectively. The hiring manager needs to know what the conflict was so that they understand why you chose this story. Here are some tips for answering this question: Define conflict. I thought I could ask one of my new coworkers for help with understanding a client documentation process in the Salesforce CRM. Some others apologized because work pressures prevented them from contributing.". Acknowledging and Respecting the Other's Position. Illustrate your problem-solving aptitude by discussing your steps to resolve the disagreement. I listened, empathized, and reassured the customer that I was there to support them and resolve their matter. Have you ever had a conflict with your previous boss? After discussing it with several classmates, we went to him together to discuss it further. 1. How did you solve the problem? (Result) I am proud to say that I successfully found a solution that satisfied the customer and avoided further escalation. "(Situation) In my previous job, I had a team member who would scoff at other co-workers' ideas in meetings. When we feel intimidated by someone, the conflict is often internal vs. external. While no one is expecting that you magically always agreed with your supervisor, they also dont want to hear that you never agreed with them. 3 Steps to Better Handle Conflict with Your Boss | LSA Global My manager now also lets people know if days off were approved or not within 24 hours, which has really helped stop the confusion..