There are five applicants for a job in your department. In your department, conflict is managed in a way to promotes creativity and innovation, and seldom stops discussions or progress of the group. The team members have open conversations about differences in experience, viewpoints, and data. The approach encourages courageous conversations and difficult conversations. The competency and behavioral skills to discuss differences are critical success factors for the team members and projects. You have been invited to be on the interview team. Your manager observes you demonstrate competencies to create positive benefits from conflict and differences.

1. How would you discuss the topic of conflict management with an applicant in the interview?

2. What question(s) would you ask each applicant about his/her/their view on conflict to understand if they have self-awareness and the competency or skill to engage in difficult conversations and have a positive outcome from a conflict?

3. How would self-awareness change your approach to a conflict?