Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict within the pharmacy team? How did you approach the situation?

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict within the pharmacy team? How did you approach the situation?
Sample answer to the question:
There was a time when there was a disagreement within the pharmacy team regarding the implementation of a new medication dispensing system. Some team members were resistant to change while others saw the benefits. I approached the situation by first listening to all team members' concerns and opinions. I then organized a meeting to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the new system. We brainstormed together and came up with potential solutions to address the concerns raised. After evaluating the options, we decided to trial the new system on a small scale to see its effectiveness. Throughout the trial period, I ensured open communication and encouraged feedback from the team. This approach allowed us to identify and resolve any issues promptly. By the end of the trial, the team members who were initially skeptical had become more supportive of the new system, and it was successfully implemented.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my previous role as a pharmacist, there was a conflict within the pharmacy team regarding the allocation of workload. Some team members felt overwhelmed with their responsibilities, while others believed they were not being challenged enough. To approach the situation, I scheduled a team meeting to discuss the concerns openly. I encouraged each team member to share their thoughts and suggestions for a fair distribution of workload. We created a task-sharing plan that took into account everyone's skills and preferences. Additionally, I implemented a system for regular check-ins to monitor workload and address any issues promptly. This approach not only resolved the conflict but also fostered a sense of collaboration and trust within the team.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details and showcasing the candidate's skills in collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and leadership. The candidate describes a conflict related to workload allocation and explains how they approached the situation by scheduling a team meeting, encouraging open communication, and implementing a task-sharing plan. The answer also highlights the candidate's ability to resolve conflicts and create a positive team dynamic.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my time as a pharmacist, I encountered a conflict within the pharmacy team regarding the implementation of a new medication safety protocol. Some team members were resistant to the change, citing concerns about increased workload and disruption in established workflows. To approach the situation, I organized a series of department-wide education sessions to address these concerns and provide detailed explanations of the benefits of the new protocol. I also assigned experienced pharmacy technicians as mentors to support team members during the transition. Additionally, I facilitated open forums for team members to voice their opinions and suggestions throughout the implementation process. By actively involving the team and addressing their concerns, we were able to successfully implement the new protocol while maintaining a positive and collaborative work environment.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer builds upon the solid answer by providing even more specific details and showcasing the candidate's exceptional skills in collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and leadership. The candidate describes a conflict related to the implementation of a new medication safety protocol and explains how they approached the situation through education sessions, mentorship, and open forums. The answer highlights the candidate's ability to actively involve the team, address concerns, and achieve successful implementation while maintaining a positive work environment.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on your past experiences working in teams and identify conflicts you have resolved.
  • Think about the specific steps you took to approach and resolve the conflict.
  • Consider how you demonstrated skills in collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and leadership during the conflict resolution process.
  • Practice describing the conflict and your approach to resolving it in a clear and concise manner.
  • Highlight the positive outcomes or lessons learned from the conflict resolution experience.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Leadership

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