Best Interview Questions to Assess a Candidate’s Conflict Resolution Ability

During a captivating Q&A with HR Daily Advisor, Rich Birke, the chief architect of JAMS Pathways, shares some tips on assessing conflict resolution abilities in prospective executives.

Birke emphasizes the importance of asking direct questions about candidates’ past experiences with conflict, seeking specific instances of successful resolution and areas for improvement. He also recommends posing questions about conflicts likely to arise in the candidate’s new role and assessing their approach to diverse conflict scenarios.

One key insight from Birke is the need for intellectual curiosity and adaptability:

"A candidate who talks about books they’ve read, courses they’ve attended, people they admire, and approaches they like will be your best conflict resolver in the long run."

This mindset reveals candidates who are not only skilled, but also continuously learning and growing in their conflict resolution abilities.

Birke also identifies red flags to watch for, such as overconfidence and go-it-alone attitudes, which can hinder effective conflict management. By following his guidance, organizations can better identify candidates who will thrive in managing conflicts and fostering a collaborative work environment.

For more of Rich Birke's advice on conflict resolution in executive hiring, read the full Q&A here.