At Danone, we understand that conflict can arise when you're working closely with others on a team. Give me an example of a time you had to deal with an issue while working with others.
Responding to a conflict can be difficult regardless of your conflict resolution skills. It presents a complicated set of challenges, especially in a team environment that relies heavily on collaborative and functioning relationships. Share an example of a conflict within your department or between you and a co-worker that you effectively resolved. Showcase your high-level communication skills. Explain the situation and how your actions resulted in a resolution or a compromise. Avoid examples where you had to involve your superiors or failed to remain functional or objective. Labeling yourself as a victim may only convey that this is your outlook on life. Objectifying the situation and reaching an amenable resolution can go a long way in advertising your mediation skills and diplomacy.
"My coworker was a great salesman but horrible at the administrative side. He made so many mistakes and didn't seem to care. It bothered me because I take such pride in the quality of my work. I decided to talk with him and found out he wasn't clear on expectations or how to do some of the basic aspects of the paperwork for each sale. He got some additional training to get on the same page as the rest of the team."
"In my current position, there has been a concern with workplace bullying, and a particular group of individuals 'lead the pack,' so to speak. The situation became out of control a few months ago, and I had to involve human resources and conduct a few exit interviews. It is never easy to terminate employees; however, if they are causing conflict, it is always the best choice."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My reaction to conflict depends on whether the relationship would impact efficiency and future deliverables. If the relationship has no impact, then I would usually choose to let it go. If not, I would try to have an open discussion and explain my expectations about the expected collaboration type.
Rachelle's Feedback
Questions that are framed as: 'Give me an example...' or 'Tell me about a time...' are behavioral-based questions. This means that the interviewer is looking for a particular story-based example that will give them an indicator of your behavior in specific situations. Experts advise using the STAR framework when crafting your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result). I recommend revisiting this answer, using STAR. I have provided a starter for you, below.
"My reaction to conflict depends on whether the relationship would impact efficiency and future deliverables. If the relationship has no impact on deliverables or efficiency, I will usually choose to let it go. Otherwise, I would try to have an open discussion and explain my expectations on collaboration and communication. One example of this was when...(give your story using the STAR method)."
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