How to Answer: How do you respond when you disagree with your leader?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Providence Health & Services job interview.
1. How do you respond when you disagree with your leader?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may disagree with your leader. How you respond gives the interviewer insight into your communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Show the interviewer that you can be a good team member yet disagree with the leader occasionally. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their professional opinion yet capable of maintaining respect for each other simultaneously.
Written by Krista Wenz on July 11th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
While it is okay to disagree with your leader sometimes, the interviewer wants to hear that you respect their authority and will not be a challenging employee if hired. Give an example of when you have disagreed with your leader and how you handled the situation.
Written by Krista Wenz on July 11th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I think it is possible to be a great team member, even when disagreeing with the leader. It's all in how you maintain respect for each other despite differences in opinion. I respond by following my leader's decisions as they may know more about the subject than I do."
Written by Krista Wenz on July 11th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"What makes a great team member is not that they agree with everything but the level of respect and positive thought that goes into the person's communication style. It's okay to disagree, but you must communicate your thoughts professionally."
Written by Krista Wenz on July 11th, 2022