Describe a time when you disagreed with a performance rating you received.

Question Analysis

This question is a behavioral interview question designed to assess how you handle disagreements, especially in the workplace. The interviewer is interested in understanding your ability to evaluate feedback, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts professionally. They want to see if you can reflect on the feedback objectively and take constructive actions. The key elements to focus on are the situation that led to the disagreement, the actions you took to address it, and the outcome of your actions.

Answer

Situation:
In my previous role as a project coordinator, I received a performance review that rated my project management skills lower than I expected. I had consistently met project deadlines and received positive feedback from clients, so this rating came as a surprise.

Task:
I believed that the rating did not accurately reflect my contributions and decided to address this with my manager to gain clarity and, if necessary, advocate for a reassessment.

Action:
I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss the performance review. Before the meeting, I gathered evidence of my performance, including project timelines, client feedback, and any commendations I had received. During our discussion, I calmly expressed my concerns about the rating and presented my documentation. I asked for specific examples of where my performance had not met expectations and requested feedback on areas for improvement.

Result:
My manager appreciated my proactive approach and transparency. After reviewing my documentation and our discussion, she agreed to revise my performance rating to better reflect my contributions. Additionally, she provided valuable feedback on how I could further enhance my skills, which I implemented in subsequent projects. This experience not only improved my performance ratings but also strengthened my communication with my manager.