Describe a disagreement you had with someone
You should say:
Who you had the disagreement with
What the disagreement was
What happened
And explain how you felt about it
SUGGESTED IDEAS
Who you had the disagreement with:
- Think of a specific person you had a disagreement with.
- Explain who this person is and your relationship with them.
- For example: “I had a disagreement with my co-worker, John. We work in the same department and have known each other for a few years.”
Useful phrases:
- “The person I had the disagreement with was…”
- “I had a disagreement with someone I know well, specifically…”
What the disagreement was:
- Share the details of the disagreement.
- Maybe it was a difference of opinion on a work project, an argument over a personal matter, or a misunderstanding that led to conflict.
- Be specific and describe the situation as clearly as possible.
- For example: “The disagreement was about a new project we were working on. John and I had different ideas about how to approach it, and we couldn’t come to a consensus.”
Useful phrases:
- “The disagreement was centered around…”
- “The issue we had was…”
What happened:
- Share how the disagreement played out and what happened as a result.
- Maybe you had a heated argument, walked away from the conversation, or took time to cool off before discussing the matter further.
- Share the outcome of the disagreement, whether it was resolved or not.
- For example: “We ended up having a heated argument and couldn’t find common ground. We decided to take a break from the conversation and revisit it later. Eventually, we were able to compromise and find a solution that worked for both of us.”
Useful phrases:
- “The disagreement escalated to the point where…”
- “As a result of the disagreement, we…”
And explain how you felt about it:
- Share your emotions and thoughts about the disagreement.
- Maybe you felt frustrated, angry, sad, or relieved after it was resolved.
- Explain what you learned from the experience and how it affected your relationship with the person.
- For example: “I felt really frustrated during the disagreement, but I also realized that I needed to listen to John’s perspective and be more open-minded. Ultimately, I think we both learned a lot from the experience and it helped us communicate better in the future.”
Useful phrases:
- “During the disagreement, I felt…”
- “Looking back on the experience, I learned…”
Remember to be respectful when sharing a disagreement and avoid placing blame or criticizing the other person. Focus on the facts of the situation and how you handled it.
SAMPLE ANSWER
The person I had the disagreement with was my colleague, Lisa. We work closely on project teams, and our disagreement revolved around the approach to a client presentation.
The issue stemmed from differing opinions on the project’s key message. While I believed in a concise and direct approach, Lisa preferred a more detailed and elaborate presentation. The disagreement escalated during a team meeting, where we had a heated discussion on the best strategy.
As a result, we decided to take a break from the discussion and revisit it later. After some reflection, we realized that combining both approaches could create a balanced presentation. We compromised by incorporating the essential details without compromising clarity.
During the disagreement, I felt frustrated, but the resolution brought relief. Looking back, I learned the importance of finding common ground in collaborative work. The experience improved our communication, and we now approach projects with a more open mindset, considering diverse perspectives.
In summary, the disagreement with Lisa was a challenge, but it taught me valuable lessons about teamwork and compromise, ultimately strengthening our professional relationship.