Tell us about some unpleasant feedback that you received?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess how you handle criticism and feedback, which is a key part of personal and professional growth. The interviewer is interested in understanding your emotional intelligence, openness to change, and ability to improve. They want to see if you can take unpleasant feedback positively and turn it into an opportunity for development. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help structure your response effectively.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I received feedback from a senior colleague after a project presentation. They mentioned that my presentation lacked clarity and that some stakeholders found it difficult to understand the project's impact.

Task: My goal was to improve my communication skills, particularly in conveying complex information more clearly to diverse audiences.

Action: I decided to seek guidance from a mentor who was known for their effective communication skills. I also enrolled in a workshop on effective presentation techniques. I began practicing my presentations more rigorously, focusing on simplifying the message and using visuals to aid understanding.

Result: The subsequent presentations were much clearer and received positive feedback from stakeholders. This not only improved the team's understanding of our projects but also helped in gaining their support more effectively. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and how constructive feedback can lead to significant personal growth.