How would you deal with conflict on your team?

How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example
Community Answers

The hiring authority is looking to hear about your ability to communicate with your team or even external stakeholders and professionally handle issues when they arise. Think of an example where you worked closely with others to resolve a conflict. You could also offer a scenario where you mediated an issue between two coworkers. Show that you can keep your head on your shoulders when dealing with conflict.

"I have strong conflict management skills and as a business analyst with many high-stakes projects, have had to exercise those skills from time to time. We are in a high-stress work environment, which can cause unnecessary conflict among the team. When a conflict arises, I like to deal with it swiftly, openly, and with poise. Transparency and openness are how I lead my team, so I will call a group meeting where we express concerns and get it all out on the table."

"When there is conflict, I will address the issue head-on, with expediency and open communication. Hearing the problem before deciding on a solution, and perhaps most importantly, hearing the parties out, is most important. I believe in allowing the stakeholders to have a say in what they think will work best for them, and then work together to create a solution that will work best for everyone."

Anonymous Answer

"I have strong conflict management skills, which I use to exercise from time to time. We are in a high-stress, highly commissioned work environment, which can cause a lot of unnecessary conflict among the team. For example, as an SAP FICO consultant, my work entirely depends on all different areas such as sales, purchasing, technical specifications, HR, and so on. For this reason, our team has to coordinate with the relevant team. Sometimes delay from their side affect our work which causes conflict. When such a conflict arises, I like to deal with it swiftly, openly, and with poise. Transparency and openness are how I lead my team, so I will call a group meeting where we express concerns and get it all out on the table."

Kristine's Feedback

Nice response. You mention your experience in working in a high-stress environment and diffusing conflict. You can round out your answer by saying something about the conclusion of your group meetings. Do you come up with new deadlines? Offer to help out the team member that is behind on work? I reworded some parts of your answer for clarity.

"I have strong conflict management skills, which I exercise from time to time. We are in a high-stress work environment, which can cause a lot of unnecessary conflict among the team. For example, as an SAP FICO consultant, my work depends on all different areas such as sales, purchasing, technical specifications, HR, and so on. For this reason, we have to coordinate with the relevant team. Sometimes a delay from their side affects our work, which causes conflict. When such a dispute arises, I deal with it swiftly, openly, and with poise. Transparency and openness are how I lead my team, so I will call a group meeting where we express concerns and get it all out on the table."