In support of Winning Answers to 500 Interview Questions, here is how to approach the following question on an interview:
Who was your worst boss?
Why this question is being asked: Conflict with management is a common occurrence and the interviewer wants to understand best how you can manage the conflict.
Strategy: Admit that you did have difficulty working with a Manager and why and explain how you dealt with the situation as well as the outcome
Sample answer: Well, I wouldn't say that any boss was the “worst”, as its natural for a manager and subordinate to have conflicts at times. But there was one who I thought would be my worst boss when we got off on the wrong foot. After about two years at my first job, I was assigned to report to a new manager. His management styles was very different from my first manager’s, and it took some time to adjust. One manager was very hands on while the other was hands off, and each had different preferences for communicating and reporting information. After a few miscommunications with the new manager, I asked for a meeting to clear the air and go over his expectations and preferences. It was very helpful and we actually ended up working very well together after that.
Lean how to answer 500 interview questions here.
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