How would you rate your ability to handle conflict in the workplace, either with clients, co-workers, your leaders, or other stakeholders?

Many conflicting factors can arise when a Consultant comes into an organization to improve processes. These conflicts can arise from ego, fear, misunderstanding, a lack of desire for change, and more. The interviewer wants to know if you have experienced this type of situation and that you had the ability to handle the situation with professionalism.

"I have an advanced ability to handle and resolve conflict. Last year, I led a project focused on waste reduction in our clients' manufacturing facilities. In the project's kickoff meeting, the CFO immediately berated me for the budget I was proposing. She vehemently insisted that the numbers were not feasible. Rather than taking offense to her feedback, I wanted to make sure that she, and the rest of the group, had a solid understanding of all that was considered when my team and I came up with the project's numbers. After I explained the data we collected and how we came to the figures, the CFO gained a stronger understanding of the approach. I leaned heavily on my ability to explain the data clearly to ensure there were no conflicting expectations. I kept a calm, cool head in that situation. In the end, the CFO agreed to move forward with the project."