Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict within your team.

In a previous role as an Underwriting Manager, I encountered a conflict within my team when two underwriters had a disagreement over the risk assessment of a complex application. To resolve the conflict, I invited both underwriters for a meeting and provided them with a platform to express their concerns and perspectives. I actively listened to both parties, asking clarifying questions to understand their viewpoints. After gathering all the necessary information, I facilitated a negotiation session where both underwriters had the opportunity to present their arguments and propose potential solutions. With my guidance, they were able to find common ground and collaboratively reach a resolution that satisfied both parties. Throughout the process, I remained neutral and unbiased, focusing on fostering open communication and mutual respect. This conflict resolution not only resolved the immediate issue but also improved the overall teamwork and collaboration in the team.

As an Underwriting Manager, I faced a conflict within my team involving differences in risk assessment for a complex application. Two underwriters held opposing views on the risk level, which was impeding progress. To address the conflict, I scheduled a team meeting and encouraged open communication. During the meeting, I ensured that both underwriters had the opportunity to present their arguments and supporting evidence. I actively listened to their concerns, asked clarifying questions, and facilitated a constructive discussion. To facilitate resolution, I encouraged them to find common ground and propose potential solutions. By acting as a mediator, I helped them reach an agreement that considered both viewpoints and aligns with our risk management strategy. This conflict resolution enhanced collaboration and trust within the team, leading to improved decision-making and overall performance.

In my role as an Underwriting Manager, I encountered a conflict within my team related to a complex application's risk assessment. Two experienced underwriters had differing opinions on the risk level, leading to delays and frustration. To address this conflict, I initiated a two-step approach. First, I arranged individual meetings with each underwriter to understand their perspectives comprehensively. During these meetings, I asked open-ended questions, actively listened, and acknowledged their expertise. This individual attention allowed them to express their concerns fully and feel valued. After gathering the necessary insights, I scheduled a team meeting focused on collaborative problem-solving. I facilitated a structured discussion using the Harvard Negotiation Project's principles, encouraging both underwriters to explain the rationale behind their assessments and consider alternative viewpoints. This process fostered a mutual understanding of the underlying factors influencing their differing opinions. Through careful facilitation, I helped them explore common ground and jointly agree on a revised risk assessment that incorporated elements from both positions. This resolution reduced tension and enhanced trust within the team, resulting in improved collaboration and timely decision-making. To mitigate future conflicts, I implemented a regular peer-review system, where underwriters would periodically review each other's risk assessments to ensure objectivity and foster continuous improvement.