Tell me about a time when you successfully resolved a conflict with a colleague or supervisor.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Tell me about a time when you successfully resolved a conflict with a colleague or supervisor.
Sample answer to the question:
One time, I had a disagreement with a colleague over a patient's treatment plan. We had different opinions on the best approach to help the patient. Instead of letting the conflict escalate, I invited my colleague for a meeting to discuss our perspectives. We both shared our insights and listened to each other's concerns. Through open communication, we found common ground and were able to come up with a modified treatment plan that incorporated both of our ideas. We implemented the plan together and saw positive results in the patient's progress. This experience taught me the importance of collaboration and effective communication in resolving conflicts.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my previous role as a Rehabilitation Therapist, I encountered a conflict with my supervisor regarding a patient's discharge plan. My supervisor wanted to discharge the patient after a shorter period than I believed was necessary. Instead of letting the conflict escalate, I decided to approach my supervisor in a respectful and collaborative manner. I scheduled a meeting to discuss our differing viewpoints and presented evidence-based research supporting the importance of extended treatment for the patient's optimal recovery. I actively listened to my supervisor's concerns and gained a better understanding of their perspective. Together, we reviewed the patient's progress and considered the patient's personal circumstances. Eventually, we reached a compromise that allowed the patient to continue therapy for an additional week, ensuring a more successful long-term outcome. This conflict resolution experience showcased my interpersonal and communication skills, collaboration abilities, and problem-solving approach.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides specific details about the candidate's role, the conflict, and their actions to resolve it. It demonstrates how the conflict resolution aligns with the required skills and qualifications for the Rehabilitation Therapist position. However, it can be further improved by highlighting the candidate's empathy and patience when working with colleagues and supervisors.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my time as a Rehabilitation Therapist, I encountered a conflict with a colleague during a multidisciplinary team meeting. The conflict stemmed from a disagreement on the appropriate level of involvement in patient care. My colleague believed in a more hands-off approach, while I advocated for a collaborative and active role. Recognizing the importance of teamwork and effective communication, I decided to address the conflict directly. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with my colleague to discuss our differing perspectives and seek a resolution. During the meeting, I actively listened to my colleague's concerns and presented research on the benefits of a collaborative approach. I acknowledged their viewpoint and highlighted the positive impact that working together could have on patient outcomes. Through open dialogue, we reached a compromise that emphasized a team-based approach while respecting individual preferences. This conflict resolution not only strengthened our working relationship but also improved patient care by fostering a collaborative environment. It demonstrated my strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to collaborate effectively, and problem-solving mindset.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed description of the conflict, the candidate's specific actions, and the impact on patient care and teamwork. It effectively showcases the candidate's strong interpersonal and communication skills, collaboration abilities, and problem-solving mindset. It aligns perfectly with the required skills and qualifications for the Rehabilitation Therapist position. It can be further improved by adding specific examples of utilizing therapeutic equipment and technology in the conflict resolution process.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on your past experience with conflicts in the workplace and identify a situation where you successfully resolved a conflict with a colleague or supervisor.
  • Consider conflicts that demonstrate your strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to collaborate effectively, and problem-solving mindset.
  • Think about how you can link the conflict resolution experience to the job description's required skills and qualifications, such as utilizing therapeutic equipment and technology.
  • Practice your storytelling skills by structuring your answer with an introduction, conflict description, your actions to resolve the conflict, and the positive outcomes achieved.
  • Highlight your empathy and patience when working with colleagues and supervisors in addition to your technical expertise in rehabilitation therapy.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving

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