How to Answer: Tell me about a time you may have had a disagreement with a team member and how you handled it.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Addiction Nurse job interview.
40. Tell me about a time you may have had a disagreement with a team member and how you handled it.
How to Answer
In any work environment, there can be times that you may have a complicated encounter with someone. The interviewer does not expect you to say that you have/never will have a disagreement. Rather, he is looking for signs that you will be able to address adversity professionally and keep it from hindering your work relationships or the quality of care that you provide to your patients. No matter how difficult a story may may, finish it with something positive that you gleaned from the experience.
Written by Heather Douglass
Entry Level Example
"I can only think of a time or two that I had a disagreement with a coworker, and it was nothing that caused me to feel like I couldn't continue my working relationship with them. As a nurse, it is natural to have situation where tensions run high. I simply try to respect those I work with and be an ear to listen, when needed. Those simple steps can help resolve an otherwise difficult situation."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I've experienced difficult situations with co-workers and most times it has to do with miscommunication. I have learned that if we can take the time to discuss a problem and allow one another to express their thoughts regarding an issue, it is easier to work through things. Leaving things unfinished seems to create an atmosphere of tension and increases the risk of a situation escalating. I try to have a positive outlook and express my interest in what my coworkers think and feel, even if their opinions differ from mine."
Written by Heather Douglass
Experienced Example
"I have many years' experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment. I prefer working as part of a team because the collaboration ensures that each patient gets the best care possible."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
In my previous position, I encountered a disagreement with a coworker. The disagreement primarily stemmed from miscommunication regarding certain work-related matters.
Task:
Recognizing the importance of addressing the issue and fostering a collaborative working relationship, my task was to approach and engage in a conversation with my coworker to understand their perspective and collectively find a resolution.
Action:
I took the initiative to have an open and honest conversation with my coworker. I expressed my concerns and listened actively to their viewpoint. During the discussion, I focused on finding common ground and understanding where the miscommunication occurred.
I suggested implementing clearer communication channels, such as regular check-ins or updates, to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future. We collaboratively developed a plan to enhance our communication processes, ensuring that expectations were aligned and potential conflicts could be minimized.
Result:
As a result of our conversation and the implemented communication plan, we resolved the disagreement amicably. The atmosphere in the workplace improved, and we established a more effective communication routine. The experience strengthened our working relationship and enhanced the overall team dynamics.
Key Takeaway:
This experience taught me the importance of addressing conflicts promptly, focusing on effective communication, and working collaboratively to find mutually beneficial solutions. It also reinforced my commitment to maintaining open lines of communication to prevent future misunderstandings."