How would you deal with a manager who refused to accept your ideas and proposals?
Working effectively for difficult people or those who continually disagree with you requires you to come from a place of patience, confidence, and understanding. As James Cash Penney once said, "The art of effective listening is essential to clear communication, and clear communication is necessary to management success." When you answer this behavioral-based question, explain that you handle these situations professionally, ensuring that you seek understanding regarding the other person's opinion of your work. What do you do to understand what their reservations are?
"If I had a manager who refused to accept my ideas, I would approach them one-on-one and ask where their reservation was coming from. I want to understand how the person views my recommendations and which factors they disagree with. Then I would further support why my findings would benefit their greatest pain points. I would also ask them which aspects could be improved since rejection does not necessarily mean rejection of 100% of my work but perhaps a facet or two. With this approach, my manager would become a part of the solution."
