"explain a conflict and ...."

[Lfribble]

Hello,

I am prepping for an upcoming interview and apparently one of the questions is "Describe a conflict and tell us how you resolved it" Short of telling them that this question is my conflict, I've got nothing. Anyone have any ideas how to go about answering this? Thanks!

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Then you obviously haven't lived much.

 

[spicedmanna]

Well, surely you've had some kind of reasonable argument, professional disagreement, or brush-up with someone about something. How did you resolve it? What was the outcome? Make sure to emphasize elements that place you in a positive light and demonstrate your great personal qualities.

They just want to see how you think under pressure, that's all. In real life, though, you will likely sometimes need to defend your treatment plan, and you will meet plenty of patients that will try hard to thwart their own treatment. Furthermore, even though doctors are supposed to work from a heathcare perspective, it's not always that clean. Doctors will likely need to consider and assist angry families and patients, since being sick and scared really shakes up everything. I think that having good conflict-resolution skills can be of considerable benefit.

 

[Lfribble]

Then you obviously haven't lived much.

If you're not going to offer something constructive, please don't waste my time. I have lived just fine and am having trouble coming up with an example that isn't too controversal or mundane.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

If you're not going to offer something constructive, please don't waste my time. I have lived just fine and am having trouble coming up with an example that isn't too controversal or mundane.

So basically you want us to tell you what to say? Now, that's a great idea!

 

[amathew]

you might also want to consider this as another take on a "what would you consider a weakness and how do you plan to change it" kinda question. The conflict doesn't necessarily have to be with another person, it could with yourself. Perhaps you were someone who had to work, study and take care of a family simultaneously. Perhaps (like in my case) you had a really low GPA that you had to deal with. Maybe while you were volunteering/shadowing, you came across something that really hit home with you. Just instances where one's personality might come across

Other than that, it would be something only YOU can answer. Although dropkickmurphy could have put it in a nicer format, he is right. There is no pre-formatted answer for this kinda question.

 

[DragonWell]

Hello,

I am prepping for an upcoming interview and apparently one of the questions is "Describe a conflict and tell us how you resolved it" Short of telling them that this question is my conflict, I've got nothing. Anyone have any ideas how to go about answering this? Thanks!

I have a feeling I know which school you're interviewing at. I would suggest thinking about some experiences you've had in small groups, perhaps in trying to reach a decision about something, even something mundane like where to eat dinner or what movie to see, and how you reacted or resolved the situation. The question is trying to get at how you function in a group decision making process - do you tend to try to dominate things? storm off in a rage? hold your tongue and bend to the will of the group? try to educate yourself about other's opinions? This will become important when you are trying to manage a patient with a team of doctors and nurses - people will disagree, and you will have to deal with the situation.

I think the conflict I used dealt with disgruntled customers, listening skills, compromise...you get the idea.

 

[NickRiviera]

If you're not going to offer something constructive, please don't waste my time. I have lived just fine and am having trouble coming up with an example that isn't too controversal or mundane.

DKM brings up a valid point. You are saying that you honestly cannot think of a conflict you've had to resolve. This sounds like you've either had a really easy life and/or never been in a position where your view mattered during problems. You also took immediate offense to his comment...maybe you don't have good resolution skills, tact, or diplomacy?

How about a rough semester? Leading any kind of group? This really isn't the type of question you can get others ideas on; either you've had situations that you've had to resolve or you haven't. If not, what about preventative resolution; have you ever had to choose a certain path to avoid a conflict? That might be going out on a limb, but if you have nothing...

 

[Lfribble]

Thanks for the positive thoughts. Everyone gets a little mental block every once in a while and I was trying to work through one with some input from others. Through brainstorming and some of the suggestions of what to focus on I've come up with a couple of ideas of conflicts that are appropriate in my opinion.

I'm very fortunate in life that I've had. I am also fairly easy going, resolve my conflicts and move on without dwelling on them. I think as most people who are nervous about interviews are, I am worried about finding that perfect example. So thank you to the people who offered insightful ideas.

 

[NickRiviera]

SDN conflict resolved diplomatically *check*