How to Answer Behavioral Questions About Dealing with Conflict
Conflict is an inherent part of any workplace, and the ability to effectively address and resolve it is an important skill. In answering questions about dealing with conflict, you can showcase your approach to conflict resolution and provide examples of times you have successfully navigated difficult situations.
These anecdotes demonstrate your ability to handle conflict in a professional and constructive manner, which can be a valuable asset to any organization.
It is also important to highlight any lessons learned from past experiences with conflict and how those lessons have helped you become better equipped to handle similar situations in the future.
STORYTELLING STRUCTURE
The STAR method is a popular structure you can use to answer behavioral questions. It helps you to clearly articulate the situation, task, action, and result of a specific experience.
In my coaching sessions, I use the STARC method, which adds the step of Connection. This helps you to directly connect your experience to the job for which you are applying.
Here's how you can use the STARC method to structure your responses:
Situation: Describe the specific situation or task with which you were faced. Be sure to provide enough context so that the interviewer understands the context of the conflict.
Task: Explain the specific action that you took to address the conflict. This could be anything from holding a meeting to discuss the issue, to having one-on-one conversations with the parties involved.
Action: Describe the steps you took to resolve the conflict. This could include things like listening to both sides, identifying common ground, and suggesting potential solutions.
Result: Share the results of your action. Did you successfully resolve the conflict? If so, how did you know? Did the situation improve as a result of your intervention? Be sure to highlight any positive outcomes or impact that you had on the situation.
Connection: Explain how the lessons and skills you learned from that experience will help you be better at this job.
EXAMPLE
Here's a more specific example of how you could use the STARC method to answer a question about conflict:
S: I was leading a team on a project when we encountered a disagreement between two team members about how to approach a particular task. One team member felt that we should take a more traditional approach, while the other team member wanted to try a more innovative approach.
T: I recognized that this disagreement had the potential to derail the project if it wasn't resolved, so I decided to schedule a meeting with the team to discuss the issue and find a resolution.
A: In the meeting, I listened carefully to both team members and asked questions to better understand their perspectives. I then suggested a few potential solutions that incorporated elements from both approaches, and we were able to come to a consensus about the best way forward.
R: As a result of our discussion, the team was able to move forward with the project and complete it successfully. Both team members reported feeling heard and understood, and we were able to maintain a positive working relationship throughout the project.
C: By being proactive, I am able to prevent things from becoming bigger problems that can be costly. That’s why finding solutions to issues before they escalate into bigger complications is something I really focus on as a leader.
YOUR TURN
Use the questions below for extra practice answering behavioral questions about conflict:
Tell me about a time when you experienced conflict at work.
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with someone within the organization.
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a very difficult client or partner.
Tell me about a time when you faced an unexpected conflict at work.
Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your supervisor on how to accomplish something.
Invest time in identifying experiences that showcase your professional strengths. It's really important to practice and be prepared for these types of questions because they will help you stand out as the best candidate for the job.
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