While putting a positive spin on the outcome from a negative situation is important, the key thing here is honesty. Being really honest about how a conflict at work made you feel, or showing a negative quality that you exhibited, will show the interviewer that you are genuine. This means when you show a positive outcome that came from the situation, something you learned or improved, they are more likely to believe you really have grown from it. A stock answer where you don’t show a lot of emotion or downplay the negatives, will come across as rehearsed and will mean they are unsure on whether or not they can trust you. Some of the most positive interview feedback I have heard, is from candidates that were open about a difficult time in their life. Often, these candidates have formed good relationships with their boss and had successful careers with them.