Can you tell us about a time where you received unpleasant feedback?

Question Analysis

This question aims to assess your ability to handle criticism, learn from feedback, and implement changes based on that feedback. The interviewer wants to understand your reaction to negative feedback and whether you can use it constructively. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your self-awareness, adaptability, and commitment to personal and professional growth. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an effective way to structure your response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was responsible for leading a team to develop a new software feature. During a project review meeting, I received feedback from a senior manager who felt that the project was not progressing as quickly as expected.

Task: My task was to address the concerns raised by the senior manager, ensure the project stayed on track, and improve the team's performance and communication.

Action: I scheduled a follow-up meeting with the senior manager to understand their specific concerns better. I then organized a team meeting to discuss the feedback and collaboratively identify bottlenecks. We implemented more frequent check-ins and adjusted our project timeline to set more realistic milestones. I also encouraged open communication within the team to address issues promptly.

Result: As a result, the project timeline was adjusted to more accurately reflect the team's capacity, and we successfully delivered the feature on the revised schedule. The senior manager appreciated our proactive approach to handling the feedback and noted a significant improvement in both team morale and project output. This experience taught me the value of embracing feedback and using it as a tool for growth and improvement.