How to Answer: How do you handle conflict between others? Do you have any training in de-escalation?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Youth Worker job interview.
10. How do you handle conflict between others? Do you have any training in de-escalation?
What You Need to Know
As a Youth Worker, you will often encounter highly emotional situations. In your line of work, conflict is inevitable. It's essential to the interviewer that you understand how to react appropriately. In the face of conflict, you must respond with care and professionalism.
Explain your approach to conflict, and consider giving an example from your work experience. If you have formal training in any of these topics, be sure to recap your education while putting a spotlight on any related coursework.
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 21st, 2013
Entry Level Example
"While completing my diploma in Counselling, I learned very informative techniques for conflict resolution. I studied Conflict Resolution Therapy, where I learned approaches such as 'dialoguing,' the 'win-win waltz' and more in-depth exploration of core concerns. I also recently completed a front-line worker de-escalation course. In this online course, I learned how to defuse tense and serious situations."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2022
Experienced Example
"I have found that the key to a successful resolution is remaining calm. I practice kundalini yoga, where you meditate and harness the energy of every chakra system from the root to the crown. And, as you ascend, you learn to control and master all of your autonomic systems and align them in accordance with each other. Through these mantras I have gotten into the habit of remaining absolutely calm, at will, even being able to control my heart rate. So, in the face of conflict, I remain calm, steady my emotions, and use open communication to get to the root of the issue. In this regard, I often have a calming effect on those I am dealing with, and I proceed to do my best to guide the situation to a healthy resolution. I have dealt with conflict with clients, mediated between co-workers, and have a strong track record with diffusing the majority of such situations."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
For example, when I was doing work in the HTES to support residents, this One staff had a different approach in getting residents to cooperate with the rules of the building. His approach was to enforce and create consequences that did not resonate with me wholeheartedly.
There was a time where a resident kept on leaving her bike outside of her suite which was a hazard and therefore against the rules of the building. I spoke with the resident to understand why she was unwilling to bring the bike into her suite. The staff member was not happy with the approach and wanted me to enforce the rules rather than to try and understand her perspective; after listening to him I realized that he wanted the residents to be accountable for their actions and in his perspective, I was taking on more of a supportive role.
I communicated with him that I intended to try and understand the perspective of the residents to reflect and brainstorms potential solutions to this problem.
He let me know that it was important that in this process, I let the residents know that their actions go against the rules of the building and through this conversation we both realized that it was important to explain to the residents why leaving personal belongings outside of the suite is a hazard.
Through listening, I took what he had to say as valuable feedback and I reflected on how my approach can grow to incorporate both accountabilities with support."
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