Can you tell me about a difficult piece of feedback you received and how you handled it?

Question Analysis

This question is asking you to describe a situation where you received challenging feedback and how you managed it. This assesses your ability to accept criticism, learn from it, and implement changes. The interviewer is looking for evidence of self-awareness, adaptability, and a proactive approach to personal and professional growth. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is an effective way to structure your response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I received feedback from a senior colleague that my communication with the development team was not as clear as it could be, which sometimes led to misunderstandings about project deliverables.

Task: My goal was to improve my communication skills to ensure that all team members clearly understood their tasks and deadlines, thereby enhancing overall project efficiency and team collaboration.

Action: I took several steps to address this feedback. First, I sought to understand the specific areas where my communication was lacking by having a one-on-one conversation with my colleague. Then, I implemented regular team meetings to discuss project updates and encourage open dialogue. I also started using collaboration tools to document all communication and ensure transparency. Additionally, I attended a workshop on effective communication to further develop my skills.

Result: As a result of these actions, the clarity of project deliverables improved significantly, and there was a noticeable decrease in misunderstandings within the team. My colleague acknowledged the improvement and commended my proactive approach to addressing the feedback. This experience not only enhanced team productivity but also improved my professional relationship with both my team and senior management.