I’m interviewing with a vp of product today for a product design manager role and in my prep I’m struggling to think of a response for “a time I disagreed with leadership” like I know there have been times but I can’t think of a specific any tips or advice?

Question

LogicMonitor 1 · Accepted Answer

This can be a dangerous question, because on the one hand, you want to present a story where you were assertive, but not a case were you "clashed" with leadership.

I once interviewed a candidate who talked about a case where he and the CTO had disagreed about the design direction.  He ultimately quit because he couldn't work with that CTO.  I completely understood his situation, but it ultimately made him look like someone difficult to work with.  (It didn't help that the other interviewer in the room was a Dev VP who had strong design opinions.)

I try to think of cases where I put together a well researched and cogent proposal, but was shot down.  Then I the discuss how I accepted the decision, but continued to champion my ideas when appropriate, and ultimately part or all of my proposal was accepted.  I focus on how I put together the proposal, my willingness to accept the decision, and an ultimately positive outcome.

HR Consultant 1 · Answer

All of us have incidents where doing the right thing caused us to disagree with leadership.  Obviously, the employer is looking for your leadership ability to take on tough issues and turn them into win-win for all.  Think of a time you’ve done that, not by forcing your point of view, but through creative ways you’ve been able to persuade others and still keep relationships intact.

Lawley 1 · Answer

I would respond that you trust leadership to make the best decisions for any situation at hand

Procurement Specialist 1 · Answer

Use a vendor relationship that leadership thought was iffy but you and team put in place risk mitigation strategies to curb the risk.

Network and Inventory Manager 1 · Answer

The example that I used in recent interviews was that Management often has considerations that are outside my scope of work, so if I make a recommendation and provide support for why I'm making that recommendation, I don't take it personally if they decide to go another way. Once I've made my recommendation, if the decision is to go in another direction, then I'm all in to assist facilitating their plan as best I can. I think that you have to show that while you have a point of view, you are also adaptable.

Human Resources Generalist 1 · Answer

This is a great question for you to use to evaluate whether the company is a good fit for you. Be true to your principles. If you're a person who sees opposition and conflict as a good thing, present it so. If you're a fall in line kind of person, same. If you present your truth and get rejected, it's probably for the best from a values alignment perspective. Never easy to get rejected, but always think about unseen bullets dodged.

Underwriter 1 · Answer

YouTube and ChatGPT will help you out with that

Product Design Manager

LogicMonitor 1

HR Consultant 1

Lawley 1

Procurement Specialist 1

Network and Inventory Manager 1

Human Resources Generalist 1

Underwriter 1

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