How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

You want to avoid saying that you do not like conflict and ignore the situation if there is a dispute. If you cannot approach a problem professionally and work through the issue, the interviewer will question your interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills. You also want to avoid saying that you get angry when there is an issue or blame another person for causing the conflict. You want to be mature and direct and take care of the issue before it becomes more significant.

"I always handle conflict in the workplace the same. I am an honest and direct person and like to resolve issues before they become larger. I approach the person with whom there is conflict and ask if we can speak privately. I calmly describe the issue we are having and ask them how we can resolve it. I do not blame the other person and take credit for my part in the conflict we are experiencing. When I approach people in this manner, I have always been able to resolve the conflict in a mutually acceptable way."

"I do not like having conflict with others, especially those I work closely with. If there is a conflict between another person and me, I like to address the issue immediately. I speak privately with the person and ask them what we can do to resolve our conflict. Usually, we can rectify a communication problem and misunderstanding by talking calmly and professionally. I have never been unable to diffuse a situation by working through conflict in this manner."