How to Answer: What would you do if you saw two co-workers arguing?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a SpaceX job interview.
20. What would you do if you saw two co-workers arguing?
What You Need to Know
This question is a personality assessment. Your interviewers want to know what you perceive as a conflict and your attitude towards conflict situations. How you answer will inform them of your sensibilities towards collaboration and teamwork and offer a broader picture of your communication skills, mediation skills, and emotional intelligence. Remember, one of the key phrases of SpaceX is, "Come together under one roof."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 25th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would approach the situation non-defensively through active listening and objectifying the situation. I'd serve as a mediator and, through empathy and diplomacy, try to reach a meeting of the minds between all parties."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 25th, 2022
Mechanical Engineer Example
"In the past I have stepped in to mediate the situation. I had each side explain their point and would have a discussion with the two. By pointing out the pro's and con's of each point we came to a consensus, ending the argument."
Written by Joseph Murphy on November 4th, 2022
Manufacturing Engineer Example
"I have found in these situations it is best to just mediate. Generally, two arguing individuals are both seeking to have their viewpoint validated by the third party. Through proper mediation, you can de-escalate the argument without "choosing sides" and the conversation can be restarted at another time when emotions are at a lower level."
Written by Timothy Cannon on November 18th, 2022
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