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

Question Analysis

This question is designed to evaluate how you handle criticism and feedback, which is a crucial skill in any professional setting. The interviewer is interested in understanding your ability to listen to feedback, process it without becoming defensive, and use it constructively to improve your performance. They want to assess your self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and willingness to grow.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I received feedback from a team member during a project debrief meeting. They mentioned that I tended to dominate discussions and occasionally overlooked input from quieter team members.

Task: My objective was to ensure that all team members felt heard and valued, which was crucial for fostering a collaborative team environment and ensuring all ideas were considered.

Action: I took the feedback seriously and decided to address it proactively. I began by implementing structured meetings where everyone had designated time to speak. I also started actively inviting quieter team members to share their thoughts during discussions. Additionally, I asked a colleague to provide me with feedback on my facilitation during meetings to ensure I was improving.

Result: Over time, there was a noticeable increase in team engagement and collaboration. Team members started contributing more ideas, leading to more creative solutions. Furthermore, during our next project debrief, the same team member acknowledged the positive changes and expressed appreciation for the effort to create a more inclusive environment. This experience taught me the value of embracing feedback and using it as a tool for personal and professional growth.