The best way to learn anything is from those with deep knowledge and experience in their respective fields. Leaders learn from other leaders the practices that have worked for them in their experiences of success; leaders can learn from others’ failures as well. In this assessment, you will reflect on an interview about relationship-building and conflict management with an organizational leader.

You have been assigned by a local publication to choose, interview, and reflect on a conversation with a senior leader in health care or a similar level of responsibility (e.g., someone who runs a non-profit, a director of marketing or human resources, etc.).

Preparation

• Prepare 12–15 questions for the interview.
• Write all your questions down and have space to add their answers and your notes.
• Make sure to include questions about:
• How they manage conflict
• How they network and build relationships
• How they support their teams
• How they effectively communicate with many different personalities
• Ask for examples to fully understand their point of view.
• Add any questions you’d like to know (as this is your chance to talk with someone in a possible future role for you).

Protect your interviewee’s privacy and only mention their name and position if you have permission to do so.

Deliverable

Choose one of the following options to submit your interview:

• Record the interview (with the interviewee’s permission). Include your reflection as part of the recording or submit it as a separate written reflection on the conflict management and relationship-building takeaways.
• Complete the Conflict Management Interview Template.

Conduct a 12- to 15-question interview with your chosen leader. Address the following in your interview:

• Introduce the interviewee.
• Ask and get answers to your questions on:
• How they manage conflict
• How they network and build relationships
• How they support their teams
• How they effectively communicate with many different personalities
• Ask and get answers to your additional questions, for a total of 12–15 questions.
• Reflect on your takeaways from the interview, including how you’ll leverage this knowledge in your career.

Cite any sources to support your assessment.

Format your citations according to APA guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Assignment

Step 1: Identify Your Interviewee

• Choose a senior leader (healthcare director, non-profit executive, HR director, marketing director, etc.).

• Ask for permission to interview and record, if you plan to submit a recording.

• Confirm whether you may use their name and position in your submission.

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Step 2: Prepare 12–15 Questions
Organize your questions into four categories, plus 2–3 personal curiosity questions:

A. Conflict Management

1. Can you describe a time you faced a major conflict at work? How did you resolve it?

2. What strategies do you use to de-escalate tense situations?

3. How do you handle disagreements between team members?

B. Networking & Relationship-Building
4. How do you develop professional relationships within and outside your organization?
5. Can you share an example of a relationship that helped you achieve a goal?
6. What advice would you give for maintaining long-term professional connections?

C. Team Support
7. How do you support your team’s growth and development?
8. What methods do you use to recognize and motivate employees?
9. How do you handle team burnout or high-stress periods?

D. Communication with Different Personalities
10. How do you adapt your communication style for different personality types?
11. Can you provide an example of a successful conversation with a difficult colleague?
12. How do you ensure that your team feels heard and understood?

E. Additional Questions (Career Insights)
13. What’s one lesson from your leadership experience that you wish you had known earlier?
14. How do you stay updated and continue learning in your field?
15. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to your role?

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Step 3: Conduct the Interview

• Take detailed notes or record the session.

• Capture examples shared by the interviewee.

• Focus on practical strategies for conflict management, team support, and networking.

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Step 4: Reflect on Takeaways

• Write a reflection (approximately 300–500 words) highlighting:

  • What strategies resonated with you.

  • How their approach to conflict management or relationship-building can apply to your career.

  • Lessons about leadership, communication, and team support.

Example Reflection Points:

• “I learned the importance of actively listening during conflicts before responding, which I will practice in group projects and future leadership roles.”

• “Building relationships is about consistency and follow-up, not just meeting once.”

• “Supporting a team requires recognizing both professional contributions and personal challenges.”

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Step 5: Format and Submit

• Use APA guidelines for any sources you cite.

• Include:

  1. Interviewee introduction (name and position, if allowed)

  2. Questions and summarized answers

  3. Reflection on key takeaways

• Submit recording or written document, depending on your choice.

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Helpful Resources:

• APA Formatting Guide – For references and citations

• Conflict Management Strategies in Organizations – Practical insights

• Effective Leadership and Team Communication – Scholarly examples

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