Have you ever had a disagreement with a coworker? If so, how was it resolved?

How to Answer
1st Entry Level Example
1st Answer Example
1st Experienced Example
2nd Answer Example

Any time you work with someone else, there is a chance of having a disagreement about something at one time or another. The interviewer knows this. It's human nature for people to have their own opinions. What is important to the interviewer in this question is whether or not you are willing to compromise and work through difficult situations with your co-workers. Being unwilling to compromise or find alternative solutions to a dispute can affect everyone on the team, even if it is indirectly. Sharing a personal experience is OK, but do not embellish it to 'be the hero.'

"I am usually a very soft-spoken person and strive to be the 'peacekeeper.' I can't recall any specific incident of a disagreement. I would like to think that if a disagreement arises I would be able to handle things in a professional manner and resolve the issue in a respectful manner."

"I believe if we think about it, each of us could remember at least one disagreement with a friend or coworker. Although I consider myself to be pretty easy-going, I am also very passionate about my patients and the care that they receive. I have been aware of disagreements between other co-workers, but really like to think of myself as more of a peacekeeper. I feel like professional people should be able to discuss things logically and come to an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone involved."

"I think the most common disagreement between myself and others have involved our personal feelings about how healthcare should be carried out. However, I have learned, as have most of the people that I have worked with, that while our opinions are important, plans of care are designated by strict guidelines and with the input of everyone on the care team as well as the patient. Learning to respect those guidelines and patient wishes usually resolves issues that arise."

"Previously a coworker and I had a disagreement regarding how the clinic workflow should be carried out. We were simply looking at the situation from different perspectives and so we took a couple minutes to step aside and privately talk about our differences and how we each felt things could be completed most efficiently. This really helped us to see one another's perspective and remember that ultimately we were both wanting to do what was best for the patients. In doing this, we were then able to work together quickly to develop a plan for how to proceed and work well together as a team in the most efficient, safe way for the patients."