You're at odds with a coworker over an interview candidate's rating. How do you find common ground?

2 Listen Actively

Active listening is crucial when you're trying to resolve a dispute with a coworker. Give your colleague the floor, allowing them to fully explain their reasoning without interruption. This demonstrates respect and willingness to understand their point of view. While listening, focus on the content of what's being said rather than formulating a response. You might find that your coworker brings up valid points that you hadn't considered, which could help in reaching a consensus about the candidate's rating.

3 Discuss Objectives

When you're at an impasse, it's vital to revisit the objectives of the role for which you're hiring. Discuss with your coworker what skills and qualities are most important for the position and how the candidate measures up to these criteria. This can help shift the conversation from subjective impressions to a more objective assessment based on the job's requirements. Aligning on the role's objectives can provide a common framework for evaluating the candidate, which may help reconcile differing opinions.

4 Explore Compromise

Finding common ground may require compromise from both sides. Suggest exploring areas where you might be willing to adjust your stance and ask your coworker to do the same. Perhaps there are certain skills or attributes that are not deal-breakers and can be developed with training. By identifying these areas, you can work towards a rating that reflects a balanced view of the candidate's strengths and weaknesses, while also considering their potential for growth within the company.

5 Seek Input

Sometimes, bringing in a third party can provide a fresh perspective on the disagreement. Consider seeking input from another colleague or a supervisor who can offer an unbiased opinion on the candidate's interview performance. Their insights might help bridge the gap between you and your coworker or provide a tie-breaking perspective that allows you to move forward with the hiring decision.

6 Reflect on Feedback

Finally, reflecting on past feedback can be instrumental in resolving disagreements. Look back on any notes or comments made during the interview process and see if there are recurring themes that both you and your coworker might have missed. Reflecting on this feedback together can often highlight a clear direction for the candidate's rating and help both of you understand each other's viewpoints more clearly, leading to a resolution that satisfies everyone involved.