I want to know about a time you were proven wrong

Question Analysis

The question "I want to know about a time you were proven wrong" is a behavioral interview question designed to assess your ability to accept feedback, learn from your mistakes, and display humility. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you handle situations when you're incorrect, your openness to feedback, and your capacity for growth and self-improvement. Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method will help in structuring a coherent and impactful response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was overseeing a major project that involved multiple teams and a tight deadline. We were in the planning phase, and I was confident that my initial timeline estimates were accurate based on my previous experiences.

Task: My task was to ensure that the project was completed on time and met all quality standards. I had to coordinate with various departments and ensure that everyone adhered to the timeline I had set.

Action: A junior team member approached me with data suggesting that some of the tasks were underestimated in terms of time required. Initially, I was skeptical and defended my timeline, but I agreed to review the data. After a thorough analysis, I realized the junior team member was correct. I promptly adjusted the timeline, communicated the changes to all stakeholders, and acknowledged the input from the team member.

Result: By making these adjustments early in the process, we were able to avoid potential delays and the project was completed successfully. This experience taught me the importance of being open to feedback, regardless of the source, and recognizing that collaboration and diverse perspectives can lead to better outcomes.