How do you handle conflict with co-workers? Can you give an example?

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You always want to stay on good terms with your co-workers, primarily when you work closely together. When a conflict arises, give an example that showcases your experience with non-defensive communication as well as your ability to function as a mediator between those who don't see eye to eye. This will offer them a glimpse of your mediation and negotiation skills. The interviewer needs to know how adept and effective you are at diplomacy and working swiftly towards a communal end goal.

"The gossip in my current office started to get to me, so I decided to address it. I knew one person who had been spreading rumors, so I approached them directly and asked if we could talk. We set aside time during lunch, and I let them know how they were affecting other people and me by spreading gossip. The issue stopped shortly after. I put a lot of emphasis on professionalism in the workplace and hold myself to a high standard."

Anonymous Answer

"A few years back I was working with a guy new to my area, but someone who had been with the company for 25 years, and worked in another toolroom. when he joined my workshop he was assigned to work with me. it was quite obvious straight away that safety was not one of his key attributes. we had a big task to do which involved machining many parts for production. we worked back to back on the job, when it was his turn to remove parts and replace them with new castings, he was working in a very unsafe way which made me nervous as the job was important, and we needed to work efficiently and couldn't really afford any slip-ups. we had lots of management around watching us work and also my apprentice. so I immediately stepped in and asked the guy for a quick chat to the side and out of the way of everyone else. I raised my concerns and told him he needs to be wearing relevant safety equipment, we had a policy in the shop, that if someone was seen to be working in an unsafe manner, we would all get a stern talking to, it was key to look out for my colleagues. my colleague agreed with me and apologized, he quickly changed his outlook and work ethic and we moved on from the minor blip."