Question: Describe a time when you had an argument with a colleague. What happened and how did you handle it?

Alternative Question Phrasing:

When is that last time that you had an argument with a colleague?
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker and how you resolve it?

Follow-up questions:

Was this a personal or professional disagreement?
Was the topic of disagreement an important one?
How well do you think you handled it?
How is your relationship with this colleague now?
Did you feel like you had to win this argument?

Question Details:

Question Type:

Behavioral

Skills:

Basic – Active Listening,Basic – Speaking,Social – Rapport Buiding/Relating and Connecting with others,Social – Social Perceptiveness

Abilities:

Cognitive – Oral Comprehension,Cognitive – Oral Expression,Cognitive – Problem Sensitivity (Problem Recognition)

Other Factors:

Practical Intelligence (Street Smarts)

Work Activity (Task):

Interacting with Others – Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships,Interacting with Others – Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (Conflict Management)

Work Context (Person-Job/Team/Org Fit):

Interpersonal Relationships – Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People,Interpersonal Relationships – Face-to-Face Discussions,Interpersonal Relationships – Frequency of Conflict Situations,Interpersonal Relationships – Work With Work Group or Team (As a member, not a leader)

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Approachability,Compassion/Concern for Others,Handling Ambiguity,Independence,Patience,Persistence/Perseverance,Self Control

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

How the interviewee handles social conflict.

Red Flags to Watch For:

If the interviewee has no social skills and seeks to dominate the argument, rather than arguing for a greater cause. If they have never been in an argument, it might mean they are too afraid to ‘rock the boat’ or that they will give in to the wishes of others.

Sample Answer:

N/A

Question Source: https://www.totaljobs.com/advice/most-common-competency-based-interview-questions