We work hard to keep a harmonious workplace culture at Phillips 66. Have you ever had a conflict with a manager? How did you resolve it?
The interviewer would like to know how you react to a conflict situation, and how active you are in attempting resolution. Use a real-life example if you can. If you are newer to your career, this could include a case of a conflict with a professor (perhaps you disagreed with a grade you received). How you behave in a conflict situation will be critical information for the interviewer.
"Nobody enjoys conflict in the workplace; however, I have experienced it before. In my previous position, there was a miscommunication with my manager related to my work schedule. He accidentally scheduled me on a requested day off, and I felt disrespected. I reacted faster than I should have because once we discussed it, I realized he had made an honest mistake. I am a firm believer that with mutual respect, conflicts can resolve rather quickly. I learned to slow my reaction time."
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
I don't have conflicts very often, the only real instance that I can think of was when I was in college, and the manager scheduled me for time when I was supposed to be in class. I talked to him about it and was upset at first until I realized that he hadn't seen the schedule update that I had sent him for my class schedule that had changed. He asked me to find someone that can swap shifts and I did, we ended up covering the schedule without anyone losing any hours.
Kristine's Feedback
Great answer! Your response will convince the interviewer conflict with managers is rare for you, but that you have handled it successfully. I reworded your response slightly to make it more concise.
I don't have conflicts very often. The only real instance that I can think of was when I was in college, and the manager scheduled me at a time when I was supposed to be in class. I talked to him about it and was upset at first until I realized that he hadn't seen the schedule update that I had sent him. He asked me to find someone that could swap shifts, and I did. We ended up covering the schedule without anyone losing any hours.
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