How do you typically handle conflicts that occur in the workplace?
The fast-paced and passionate workplace culture at UnitedHealth Group can certainly lead to staff conflicts from time to time. It's inevitable in any workplace, so the hiring manager you are interviewing with wants to hear that you can deal with conflict in a professional, respectful, and productive manner. UHG subsidiary Optum has a great page on their website that gives amazing strategies for how to handle conflict in the workplace and it's a great idea to check this out before your interview. You ideally want to highlight your ability to always keep a positive attitude, stay focused on the task at hand (versus the conflict), and handle things as quickly as possible to prevent them from dragging out. Try to use a direct example of a time you diffused a situation in the past.
"When passionate minds and dedicated people set out to do something, there is bound to be some disagreement and the key to working through those is always to listen to each other, see each other's side of the coin, and find the best resolution moving forward. I don't take feedback, thoughts, or criticism personally, because it is typically given in the best interest of a job well done. Just a few weeks ago, a colleague and I were collaborating on the care of a patient and we had a pretty distinct disagreement on how to proceed. I picked up the phone right away after a couple of email exchanges so we could talk it out. We each spoke about why we felt like we did and I quickly saw things from his perspective. I realized it was a good idea and he was able to persuade me to change my mind. I want you to know that as part of your team here at UnitedHealth Group, I would always see this type of conflict as productive and welcome it at any time in the best interest of the members here."
