What would you do if your team lead and the client gave you conflicting instructions?
Do not pick one side on your own. Note both instructions clearly, inform your lead right away, and let the lead or manager align with the client. Continue only on what is agreed, and confirm it in writing.
Explain it simply
This happens on client projects, especially when clients talk directly to developers. If you follow the client, your lead's plan breaks; if you follow the lead, the client feels ignored.
As a fresher, it is not your job to settle it. Write down exactly what each person said, tell your lead promptly, and let them resolve it with the client. Tell the client politely that you will confirm with your lead. Then work on the agreed version.
Example
Situation: During his internship at an agency, Raghav's lead told him to use the company's standard login flow, but the client messaged him directly asking for login with phone OTP only.
Task: Avoid building the wrong thing or upsetting either side.
Action: He replied to the client: "Thanks, I'll check this with my lead and confirm." He then showed his lead both instructions with screenshots. The lead called the client, they agreed on OTP login plus email as a backup, and the lead sent a confirmation email.
Result: Raghav built the agreed version, and the client was satisfied with how quickly it was clarified.
What to say in the interview
"I'd note both instructions, tell the client I'll confirm with my lead, inform my lead right away and let them align with the client. Then I'd work on the agreed version, confirmed in writing."
Common mistakes
- Choosing one instruction and ignoring the other.
- Arguing with the client.
- Starting work before the conflict is resolved.