6 Real-Life Examples "What do you do if you disagree with someone’s decision?" in an Interview

In an interview, if you are asked “What do you do if you disagree with someone’s decision?”, what will you answer?

The idea behind this interview question is to know how can you handle a situation if a colleague or superior decided to take a particular decision which could have adverse results if not implemented properly.

• It’s best to use examples of times when you dealt with disagreements and managed to resolve them. Focus on your ability to stand your ground, communicate persuasively, and debate matters respectfully.
• But, demonstrate that you’re able to change your perspective in the face of compelling evidence or changed circumstances. Paint a picture of someone who’s capable under pressure and able to drive effective decision-making that’s always in the best interests of the business.

I'll present five examples of practicing your answers to the standard interview question “What do you do if you disagree with a decision?”.

I always try to focus on the big picture

I’ve been in situations where I had to disagree with someone’s decision, and I always try to focus on the big picture.

I think it’s important to be able to stand up for your point of view without being confrontational or disrespectful, but also to be open to other points of view and change your mind when it makes sense.

I have a lot of experience doing this, and I can give you some examples.

For example, one time a colleague and I disagreed about how we should approach a project. We both had good reasons for our positions—they just weren’t compatible. So rather than getting into an argument about whose idea was better, we talked through what each of us thought would work best in the long run.

Then we came up with a solution that was better than either of our original plans!

I try to approach disagreements by first asking questions...

It’s important to be able to disagree respectfully and manage disagreements with both parties feeling respected.

In my experience, there are a few ways that this can happen. I try to approach disagreements by first asking questions about the reasoning behind the other person’s point of view.

This allows me to understand where they are coming from, which helps me build empathy for their position. It also helps me understand their motivations and how they got there.

After this, I like to listen carefully—I want to hear why they believe what they do and how they came to that conclusion. Then, if I still feel strongly that we should go in another direction, I will discuss why I disagree with them and why I think our original plan is better.

When we have an open dialogue like this, it makes it easier for everyone involved to understand where each other is coming from and reach a compromise that works for everyone involved!

I always try to find out why they made the decision before disagreeing

I believe that it’s important to be able to stand your ground. If you believe strongly in something, it’s important to be able to communicate your perspective in a respectful way.

When I disagree with someone’s decision, I always try to find out why they made the decision before disagreeing. Sometimes, it’s because they don’t have all the information, and other times it can just be a difference of opinion.

I try not to get too attached to my own ideas—if someone comes up with a better solution than mine, then I’m open to changing my mind!

I first try to understand why they made the decision

When I disagree with someone's decision, I first try to understand why they made the decision. Then, if I still disagree, I try to come up with a solution that works for both of us.

It's important to be able to stand your ground while also being open to compromise and finding a common solution that works best for the company.

I always try to present my point of view as persuasively as possible

If I disagree with someone’s decision, I always try to present my point of view as persuasively as possible. If I feel strongly about an issue, I will bring it up and discuss it in a respectful way.

However, if a decision is made that I disagree with and there are no immediate plans to change it, I will make sure that my concerns are on the table so that we can revisit the issue if necessary.

I try to first understand their reasoning behind the decision

If I disagree with someone’s decision, I try to first understand their reasoning behind the decision. If I still disagree after that, I’ll ask them if they have time to sit down and discuss it further.

Sometimes talking through the situation can help me see things from their perspective, which can lead me to agree with the decision they made in a different way than I had originally anticipated.

I think it’s important not to be afraid of disagreements. If you are, then you might catch out on opportunities for growth or learn new things about yourself and others around you.