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SENIOR LEVEL

Tell us about a time when you had to resolve a conflict or disagreement among team members during an event.

Conference Planner Interview Questions
Tell us about a time when you had to resolve a conflict or disagreement among team members during an event.

Sample answer to the question

During a conference I organized, there was a conflict between two team members regarding the selection of a keynote speaker. One team member felt strongly about inviting a speaker with industry expertise, while the other believed a more renowned speaker would attract a larger audience. To resolve the conflict, I called a meeting with both team members to hear their perspectives and understand their concerns. I facilitated a discussion where each member presented their arguments and listened to the other's viewpoint. I encouraged them to find common ground and asked probing questions to help them consider different perspectives. Eventually, they agreed to compromise by inviting a renowned speaker with industry expertise. This decision satisfied both team members and strengthened their collaboration throughout the conference.

A more solid answer

During a conference I organized, a conflict emerged between two team members who had differing opinions on the venue for a networking event. One team member preferred a traditional banquet hall, while the other suggested an outdoor garden space. The disagreement started to impact the team's progress and harmony. To address the conflict, I decided to set up a meeting with both team members to understand their perspectives and concerns. I actively listened to both sides and acknowledged the validity of their arguments. Then, I facilitated a discussion where I encouraged the team members to find a compromise that would satisfy both their needs. After considering various options, we reached a consensus to have the networking event in a venue that offered both indoor and outdoor spaces. This decision not only resolved the conflict but also improved teamwork by fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the conflict, how the candidate demonstrated leadership and communication skills, their problem-solving approach, and the impact on teamwork. However, it could still be improved by including more examples of the candidate's problem-solving skills and how they managed the conflict to meet tight deadlines.

An exceptional answer

During a conference I organized, a conflict arose between two team members who had opposing ideas about the theme for the conference website design. One team member preferred a minimalist and modern design, while the other advocated for a vibrant and colorful design. The disagreement escalated, affecting the team's morale and progress. To address the conflict, I scheduled a meeting with both team members to understand their perspectives and the underlying reasons for their preferences. I facilitated an open discussion, where each member presented their design concepts and rationale. As the team leader, I actively listened to their arguments and emphasized the shared goal of creating an engaging and user-friendly website. I then proposed a collaborative approach by suggesting that we merge the minimalist and modern elements with vibrant and colorful accents. This compromise not only resolved the conflict but also resulted in a unique and visually appealing website design that exceeded our expectations. The team members appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the final design and their collaboration strengthened, leading to a successful conference.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes into more depth about the specific conflict, the candidate's demonstration of leadership and communication skills, their problem-solving approach, and the impact on teamwork. It also highlights the candidate's ability to think outside the box and propose creative solutions. The only area for improvement would be to include more information on how the candidate managed the conflict while meeting tight deadlines.

How to prepare for this question

  • Reflect on past experiences where you had to resolve conflicts or disagreements among team members.
  • Identify the skills you utilized during those situations, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
  • Think about how you can tailor your response to highlight the skills mentioned in the job description, such as exceptional organizational and leadership skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Practice articulating your conflict resolution experiences, focusing on the specific steps you took to address the conflict, the impact of your actions on the team, and any lessons learned.
  • Consider discussing conflicts or disagreements that occurred during event planning or management, as it aligns directly with the role of a Conference Planner.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork

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