Tell us about a time when you faced a conflict or disagreement with a colleague. How did you handle the situation?

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Tell us about a time when you faced a conflict or disagreement with a colleague. How did you handle the situation?
Sample answer to the question:
During my time working as a Nurse Case Manager, I faced a conflict with a colleague regarding the plan of care for a patient. The disagreement arose when my colleague proposed a different medication regimen than what I believed was appropriate for the patient's condition. To handle the situation, I initiated a respectful and open conversation with my colleague to understand their perspective and reasoning behind their proposed plan. I shared my concerns and presented evidence-based research to support my proposed plan. Through effective communication and collaboration, we were able to reach a consensus and develop a care plan that considered both perspectives and ensured the best possible outcome for the patient.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my role as a Nurse Case Manager, I encountered a conflict with a colleague regarding the appropriate treatment plan for a patient with a complex medical condition. We had differing opinions on the best course of action, with my colleague advocating for a more aggressive approach while I believed in a conservative approach to minimize risks. Recognizing the need for collaboration, I scheduled a meeting with my colleague to discuss our perspectives in a respectful and open manner. During the meeting, I actively listened to their concerns and provided a detailed explanation of the evidence-based research supporting my approach. I also encouraged my colleague to share any additional information or research they had come across. Through our discussion, we identified common ground and developed a compromised treatment plan that incorporated elements from both approaches. We collaborated with the patient's healthcare team to implement the plan and closely monitored the patient's progress. Ultimately, the patient responded well to the treatment and achieved positive outcomes. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication, active listening, and respectful collaboration in resolving conflicts and achieving favorable patient outcomes.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides a more comprehensive description of the conflict, including specific details about the nature of the conflict, the differing opinions, and the approach taken to resolve it. It also highlights the candidate's skills and abilities in communication, active listening, collaboration, and patient-centered care, which are all relevant to the job description. However, it could benefit from further elaboration on the specific steps taken to reach a compromised treatment plan.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my tenure as a Nurse Case Manager, I encountered a conflict with a colleague regarding the management of a complex patient case involving multiple comorbidities. The conflict arose when my colleague, who had limited experience in case management, proposed a treatment plan that deviated from evidence-based guidelines. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, I immediately initiated a meeting to discuss our differing perspectives and concerns. During the meeting, I actively listened to my colleague's rationale and acknowledged their expertise in their specific area. To address the conflict, I presented a detailed analysis of the evidence supporting the recommended treatment plan, emphasizing patient safety and improved outcomes. I also offered to provide additional resources and support to help my colleague understand the rationale behind the evidence-based guidelines. Through open dialogue and collaboration, we were able to overcome our differences and develop a comprehensive care plan that incorporated elements from both approaches. We worked closely with the patient's healthcare team, including specialists and primary care providers, to ensure seamless coordination and effective implementation of the plan. The patient responded positively to the treatment, experiencing improved health outcomes and a higher quality of life. This experience reinforced the importance of evidence-based practice, effective communication, and collaboration in delivering optimal patient care.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer demonstrates strong problem-solving and leadership skills in handling a conflict with a colleague. It includes specific details about the nature of the conflict, the colleague's limited experience, and the steps taken to address the conflict, including offering additional resources and support. It also emphasizes the candidate's commitment to evidence-based practice, patient safety, and improved outcomes. The answer showcases the candidate's ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and their focus on delivering high-quality patient care. A potential improvement could be highlighting any additional personal growth or lessons learned from the experience.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past conflicts or disagreements with colleagues and identify the key takeaways from those experiences.
  • Review conflict resolution strategies and familiarize yourself with evidence-based guidelines and best practices relevant to your field of expertise.
  • Develop strong communication and active listening skills, as these are crucial in resolving conflicts and achieving favorable outcomes.
  • Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and demonstrate your commitment to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Communication
  • Teamwork

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