Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2015 19:19:27 GMT
I think that answer is fine, but will also seem slightly unbelievable because really -- who hasn't ever had a conflict of some type at work? It doesn't have to be a political divide... what about when someone doesn't pull their weight, or steals lunch from the fridge, or there's a disagreement over who uses vs cleans the microwave?
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Post by STBC on Jul 15, 2015 19:20:53 GMT
They'll still want examples Describe a time where you did politely disagree with someone. How did you approach that person? How did the situation get resolved?
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Post by tallgirl on Jul 15, 2015 19:21:32 GMT
I think it's OK to say you haven't had a work conflict (lucky you!) but would provide another example - from volunteer work or something like that.
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calgal08
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Jun 27, 2014 15:43:46 GMT
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Post by calgal08 on Jul 15, 2015 19:23:37 GMT
Conflict doesn't have to mean a full on argument. I'm sure there's been a time when someone has done something/said something in a way you disagree.
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Country Ham
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Jun 25, 2014 19:32:08 GMT
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Post by Country Ham on Jul 15, 2015 19:24:38 GMT
If you are asked to describe a time you had a conflict with someone you worked with, and you really never did, what would you say? I've been fortunate to work with compassionate, collaborative staff members and haven't had any "run in's " or major disagreements. Other than a very rare mild annoyance, things have been very harmonious at our school. So I can't think of an incident and that question inevitably comes up. Is it ok to say something along the lines that I respect different instructional approaches and strategies and have been fortunate to work with cooperative, collaborative teachers which has taught me to politely disagree and respect other opinions without causing hard feelings? Seriously- religion and politics are never discussed and I haven't run into egos or people that are stuck in their ways so this question is a tough one. I would imagine a follow up question would be "Can you give me an example of how you politely disagreed without causing hard feelings".
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Post by STBC on Jul 15, 2015 19:29:16 GMT
I know it's unbelievable. But I have had one "issue" in three years and it was an ugly accusation that was followed up and I was completely found blameless. I don't want to bring up being falsely accused of abusing a child when it turned out that the story was fabricated. There's no way to put a good face on that . The administrator found me completely innocent as did the staff member who brought it up. She went on the attack and when all was said and done the story was a hoax. I'm not going to state that someone accused me of hurting a child. There are no arguments at school. I worked under a lady who didn't know how to do her job and was let go but I didn't argue with her. I pretty much did my best and avoided her. Conflict doesn't require an argument.
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Post by Sam on Jul 15, 2015 19:39:05 GMT
If you are asked to describe a time you had a conflict with someone you worked with, and you really never did, what would you say? I've been fortunate to work with compassionate, collaborative staff members and haven't had any "run in's " or major disagreements. Other than a very rare mild annoyance, things have been very harmonious at our school. So I can't think of an incident and that question inevitably comes up. Is it ok to say something along the lines that I respect different instructional approaches and strategies and have been fortunate to work with cooperative, collaborative teachers which has taught me to politely disagree and respect other opinions without causing hard feelings? Seriously- religion and politics are never discussed and I haven't run into egos or people that are stuck in their ways so this question is a tough one. If you are going through a competency based interview, you are going to need an example to allow them to assess you against that (and, in some cases, 'tick that box'). Instead of politely disagreeing, you need to show 'how' that played out, step by step, how assertive you were and how you influenced that person or negotiated with them. Now, failing all else with regard to those you work with, you could say the whole 'we work in harmony' stuff if you are not willing to expand on the 'mild annoyances', BUT you need another example of conflict, whether it be with your neighbour, the PTA, church board, neighbourhood watch...
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Jul 15, 2015 19:50:47 GMT
I'm sorry, but I just don't believe that anyone never has ANY type of conflicts at all in their personal or professional life, no matter how small they might have been. You need to come up with an example of SOMEthing that can explain how you handle conflicts.
By the answers you're giving here, it sounds to me like your answer would be 'I never disagree with anyone over anything and no one ever has ANY conflicts' which just doesn't sound believable, or 'I just let people steamroll me because I don't want to cause waves' which isn't good, in my opinion.
at least come up with something hypothetical-- 'well, if XXX happened, then I would YYY' to explain how you would handle it if it ever did come up.
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lesley
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Jul 6, 2014 21:50:44 GMT
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Post by lesley on Jul 15, 2015 19:57:11 GMT
Do I remember you once having an issue over classes you were teaching in your church? I don't remember what it was now, maybe something about uneven distribution of workload? Anyway, if you remember, that might be an example you could use.
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Deleted
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May 2, 2024 16:14:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2015 19:58:00 GMT
If you are asked to describe a time you had a conflict with someone you worked with, and you really never did, what would you say? I've been fortunate to work with compassionate, collaborative staff members and haven't had any "run in's " or major disagreements. Other than a very rare mild annoyance, things have been very harmonious at our school. So I can't think of an incident and that question inevitably comes up. Is it ok to say something along the lines that I respect different instructional approaches and strategies and have been fortunate to work with cooperative, collaborative teachers which has taught me to politely disagree and respect other opinions without causing hard feelings? Seriously- religion and politics are never discussed and I haven't run into egos or people that are stuck in their ways so this question is a tough one. Expound on that. What happened to teach you those lessons? If your job has absolutely no examples then use one from dealing with neighbors. But to have much of a work history with no conflicts is odd at best; do you get your way every time or it and sounds like you are hiding something to never have any conflict at all. You don't have to use a conflict that ended poorly. Just that it started out with opposing needs, desires, points of view.
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 15, 2015 20:02:17 GMT
If you've been involved in your church in *any* way then I find it hard to believe that you've never had any conflict with anyone over anything. ?? I've just now come from a meeting where there was "discussion" over getting rid of books. Outdated (but not old like antique age) books. Worse, outdated bible commentaries. ugh.
Surely there is something. Sunday school, pta, community groups...
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 15, 2015 20:14:28 GMT
I know it's unbelievable. But I have had one "issue" in three years and it was an ugly accusation that was followed up and I was completely found blameless. I don't want to bring up being falsely accused of abusing a child when it turned out that the story was fabricated. There's no way to put a good face on that . The administrator found me completely innocent as did the staff member who brought it up. She went on the attack and when all was said and done the story was a hoax. I'm not going to state that someone accused me of hurting a child. There are no arguments at school. I worked under a lady who didn't know how to do her job and was let go but I didn't argue with her. I pretty much did my best and avoided her. Definitely don't bring up the accusation. But I would be prepared to address it if it comes up. As for the coworker who didn't do her job, that's a conflict. How did you deal with her? Did it cause a lot of resentment? How did you cover for her? Did you address it with your boss? That's an excellent example of how to deal with coworkers.
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Post by freecharlie on Jul 15, 2015 20:14:30 GMT
When I would do things differently and it's not a big deal, I keep my opinions to myself because I know that it takes all personalities to educate children. People can be professional and overlook minor annoyances. I don't gossip and unless something dangerous or incompetent was happening I'd chalk it up to different personalities. I'm polite and do what I can to help people. Might not be there best pal but I am not rude or confrontational at work. While that may be okay as a para, as a teacher you need to have some opinions. Having opinions doesn't mean you are fighting with someone. Can you say that you always agreed 100% with the teacher or the other paras? I know my paras don't always agree with me. They disagree respectfully when we are alone, not in front of students. They state their case, but ultimately know the decision rests with me. Is the last three years the only time you have held a job? Did you not have disagreements in other jobs? What about planning for a garden? Or hell in a store?
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Deleted
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May 2, 2024 16:14:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2015 20:26:16 GMT
I am surprised as a teacher you've never had a run in with a student/parent/teacher or administrator. I am surprised too if you have any type of volunteer position in a church that there is none either......
Definitely come up with one, because what you put here doesn't seem believable at all. Even if you discuss how you have come to understand different personality types (think Myers Briggs for example).
May I ask how many FT jobs you have had in your life? You really need to build some internal confidence without trying to figure out all "the right answers" to job interviews...did you read the post that I think it was Ashley wrote about getting the job even though she gave a lot of wrong answers? You really need to get out of the mindset that there are right answers.
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
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Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
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Post by StephDRebel on Jul 15, 2015 20:48:10 GMT
They want someone with a personality and a backbone. Work less on being a people pleaser and more on being YOU. That's what they want to see.
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Dani-Mani
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Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Jul 15, 2015 20:48:26 GMT
As someone who sits on interview committes for teachers, I would be suspicious of someone who claims they have never had a conflict in the teaching profession. Seriously. Just make something up.
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Post by freecharlie on Jul 15, 2015 21:01:54 GMT
No, I've held several full time teaching positions. I have disagreed with people but I didn't consider that conflict. When I disagree I listen to the other person's point of view, give my opinion or reason for doing something, and move on. I guess conflict is perceived differently. Right now I'm teaching 5 cooking classes. I have to redirect my high school aide or give more specific/ firm requests- which would could be considered "conflict" because I'm directing her to do something differently or to start doing something she's not doing. We've worked together two consecutive summers and have a good relationship, I do have to assert myself and we move on. Then what I would totally do is keep arguing with us about the definition of conflict and that you don't have any. You are sure to be prepared for the interview with that attitude.
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Jul 15, 2015 21:05:47 GMT
No, I've held several full time teaching positions. I have disagreed with people but I didn't consider that conflict. When I disagree I listen to the other person's point of view, give my opinion or reason for doing something, and move on. I guess conflict is perceived differently. Right now I'm teaching 5 cooking classes. I have to redirect my high school aide or give more specific/ firm requests- which would could be considered "conflict" because I'm directing her to do something differently or to start doing something she's not doing. We've worked together two consecutive summers and have a good relationship, I do have to assert myself and we move on. Disagreeing with people is conflict. Just come up with a particular example. Teacher A wanted this curriculum change, but I felt that a different change would be better. We say down together, weighed the pros and cons, and developed a solution that satisfied both of us.
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Post by christine58 on Jul 15, 2015 21:25:30 GMT
Sounds very rehearsed honestly. I would also not believe that you or anyone would not have had some kind of conflict. That conflict doesn't have to be an argument--could be a scheduling conflict. If you are interviewing for a teaching job, they are going to want to know how you would deal with it. You can have a disagreement--all of us teachers do from time to time---without it turning into a massive issue.
There's no job, NONE, where there isn't conflict. They are going to want specifics from you.
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Post by christine58 on Jul 15, 2015 21:27:48 GMT
As someone who sits on interview committes for teachers, I would be suspicious of someone who claims they have never had a conflict in the teaching profession. Seriously. Just make something up. I completely agree...I've sat on those committees and we can see through the BS every time.
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jul 15, 2015 21:32:59 GMT
I didn't read all the answers so apologies if someone said this already.
I would not look at conflict as a "run-in" but instead come up with an example where you had a professional difference with someone.
Teacher A wanted to do XYZ and you wanted to do ABC... and explain how you compromised or how for reasons 1,2,3 you decided to Plan C.
What I would not say is I never had a conflict. In any job that would raise huge red flags... either you are a dominant personality, or you are a doormat.
A professional difference of opinion is a conflict in my book.
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pridemom
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Jul 12, 2014 21:58:10 GMT
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Post by pridemom on Jul 15, 2015 22:12:04 GMT
Part of my job is to do mock interviews with job seekers. Rehearsed is fine because this is one of the most common interview questions.
It's asked because they want to know you can resolve conflict without needing a babysitter. If you work with people there will be conflict. Small or large. Come up with an instance where you disagreed with someone. No biggie.
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Post by STBC on Jul 15, 2015 22:12:19 GMT
No, I've held several full time teaching positions. I have disagreed with people but I didn't consider that conflict. When I disagree I listen to the other person's point of view, give my opinion or reason for doing something, and move on. I guess conflict is perceived differently. Right now I'm teaching 5 cooking classes. I have to redirect my high school aide or give more specific/ firm requests- which would could be considered "conflict" because I'm directing her to do something differently or to start doing something she's not doing. We've worked together two consecutive summers and have a good relationship, I do have to assert myself and we move on. Then explain **how** you assert yourself. Anytime they ask a question which starts with "Describe a time when ...." - do exactly that - give an example. If you can't do that in the interview, they aren't going to consider you for the position. You should sound prepared, but not overly rehearsed.
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mallie
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Jul 3, 2014 18:13:13 GMT
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Post by mallie on Jul 15, 2015 22:15:01 GMT
Having interviewed countless people, when you are asked about a conflict, they are not asking about a knock-down drag out fight, an argument, etc. They are asking if you ever had a difference of opinion, a problem with a coworker not pulling their weight, a backstabbing boss, an employee who needs correction, etc.
If a candidate says she's never had a conflict, my thoughts are: 1. She is lying. Why is she lying? Probably because she is either the type of person who causes conflict in an under the radar sort of way or is so afraid of conflict, she denies its existence. Either way? Bad. 2. She is a doormat who "solves" problems by letting everyone steamroller over her. And over time, the assumption is that she will passively let everyone else "win", so her opinion is neither sought nor valued. Not a good team player, in my book. 3. She does not see conflict because she is the steamroller. 4. Maybe she's led a super charmed life and is the one in a trillion person who has never had conflict. Ugh. Don't want to deal with her shock and awe when conflict happens or teach her the fundamentals of handling workplace conflict when there are candidates out there who know the score. 5. Finally:Not going to hire you. You're either a liar or a problem waiting to happen. Next candidate, please.
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Post by k8smom on Jul 15, 2015 22:35:34 GMT
If you are asked to describe a time you had a conflict with someone you worked with, and you really never did, what would you say? You have no idea how unbelievably lucky you are! I'm green with envy right now! My immediate boss is a classic narcissist and loves to make people feel like idiots, there are ongoing conflicts with most staff but if you work here you suck it up because he is one of the owners. I have a co worker who chronically calls in sick and leave us holding the bag doing her work and our own work regularly. She used up her full week of sick time pay by the end of January. J-A-N-U-A-R-Y! Now she has to use vacation time, and still calls in... This is the approach I've adopted re: work conflict: I worry about myself. Period. And I don't take it personally. Not everyone has the same work ethic, and it's doubtful as adults they will grow new personalities. So I just do my own job to the best of my ability and let the others bask in their own drama. I'm too old to get sucked in anymore.
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raindancer
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Jun 26, 2014 20:10:29 GMT
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Post by raindancer on Jul 15, 2015 22:59:48 GMT
I know it's unbelievable. But I have had one "issue" in three years and it was an ugly accusation that was followed up and I was completely found blameless. I don't want to bring up being falsely accused of abusing a child when it turned out that the story was fabricated. There's no way to put a good face on that . The administrator found me completely innocent as did the staff member who brought it up. She went on the attack and when all was said and done the story was a hoax. I'm not going to state that someone accused me of hurting a child. There are no arguments at school. I worked under a lady who didn't know how to do her job and was let go but I didn't argue with her. I pretty much did my best and avoided her. First let me say that you are so lucky! I work in a pretty contentious environment where every day is a conflict over something. (Truly, I'm health and safety in a mine, people get bent when I just want to keep them safe). But more unbelievable to me is that we share the abuse of a child abuse hoax! I had that happen to me, by a special ed teacher at a school who didn't like me and wanted me to be fired. She wrote up a full 5 page report and everything. A huge investigation ensued, I was put on a leave of absence. Luckily for me that child I was accused of hurting told a nearly identical story to mine when questioned by several people. The teacher, caught up in her lie made several missteps along the way and was caught. But what a nightmare!
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Post by Zee on Jul 15, 2015 23:02:46 GMT
Absolutely impossible to not have a conflict with someone when you are a nurse in a hospital for 15 years. I don't even know how I'd answer that, other than I don't seek conflict, but I'm quick to bring it to resolution so we can get past it, find the best solution that keeps the patient health and safety first, and get back on track like professionals.
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ginacivey
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refupea #2 in southeast missouri
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Jun 25, 2014 19:18:36 GMT
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Post by ginacivey on Jul 15, 2015 23:49:37 GMT
i haven't read the replies
but damn girl, i've been on this board with you for a year and 2peas for many
you've had issues with people
everyone has issues
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Post by CarolT on Jul 16, 2015 0:23:54 GMT
I've been on interview panels a lot lately - we do ask about conflict, but more specifically how the conflict was resolved.
If I was on your interview panel and you gave that answer, honestly I would think you don't understand what conflict is... it doesn't have to be hostile, it doesn't have to be contentious, and it doesn't have to be anything major. I would also view that as a non-answer.
We all deal with and resolve conflict all the time - in the context of education, it can be as simple as a difference of opiniong between colleagues about instructional strategies, curriculum, or classroom management or a parent who disagrees with a policy or practice. If you work with PLCs/Collaborative Teams at your school, you deal with conflict as part of the process. In the context of your everyday life, you deal with conflict every time you have a disagreement with someone - in my case, dh wanted to go out for dinner last night and I didn't (too much $$, too many calories). We didn't have a fight or argument, but we resolved the conflict.
You could say something like "I've been very fortunate to work with collaborative, supportive colleagues, so when we have conflicts we are able to resolve them fairly easily. For example, last year I really wanted to implement XYZ, but several members of the team were opposed... (then describe how you dealt with the differences of opinions and ultimately resolved the issue)"
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Post by freecharlie on Jul 16, 2015 0:44:26 GMT
I know it's unbelievable. But I have had one "issue" in three years and it was an ugly accusation that was followed up and I was completely found blameless. I don't want to bring up being falsely accused of abusing a child when it turned out that the story was fabricated. There's no way to put a good face on that . The administrator found me completely innocent as did the staff member who brought it up. She went on the attack and when all was said and done the story was a hoax. I'm not going to state that someone accused me of hurting a child. There are no arguments at school. I worked under a lady who didn't know how to do her job and was let go but I didn't argue with her. I pretty much did my best and avoided her. First let me say that you are so lucky! I work in a pretty contentious environment where every day is a conflict over something. (Truly, I'm health and safety in a mine, people get bent when I just want to keep them safe). But more unbelievable to me is that we share the abuse of a child abuse hoax! I had that happen to me, by a special ed teacher at a school who didn't like me and wanted me to be fired. She wrote up a full 5 page report and everything. A huge investigation ensued, I was put on a leave of absence. Luckily for me that child I was accused of hurting told a nearly identical story to mine when questioned by several people. The teacher, caught up in her lie made several missteps along the way and was caught. But what a nightmare! please tell me the teacher was fired. We had an opposite situation. There was a sub para who had been a sub in that position a long time. One of the students she worked with was a nonverbal preschooler. The girl was doing something and the sub swatted her on the butt and looked at the teacher and said, "how do you like that?" The teacher reported her and she was escorted from the building via the police. The next year I saw her subbing at a high school. I don't know if she was banned from working with nonverbal or young children, but I was surprised she was even allowed in the district
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