Tell us about some unpleasant feedback that you received?

Question Analysis

This question aims to assess your ability to handle criticism and feedback, particularly when it's negative or challenging to hear. It evaluates your self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and your willingness to learn and improve. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you react to unpleasant feedback, how you process it, and what steps you take to address it constructively. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an effective way to structure your answer.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was leading a team on a crucial project with a tight deadline. During a project review meeting, my supervisor provided feedback that my communication with stakeholders was inconsistent and sometimes delayed.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure that all stakeholders were consistently updated on the project's progress to maintain trust and transparency.

Action: I took the feedback seriously and decided to address it promptly. I scheduled a meeting with my supervisor to fully understand their concerns and gather specific examples. I then implemented a structured communication plan, which included weekly updates and a shared project dashboard where stakeholders could track progress in real-time. Additionally, I set reminders to ensure timely communication.

Result: As a result of these changes, stakeholder satisfaction improved significantly, and my supervisor acknowledged the positive impact of my enhanced communication strategy. This experience taught me the importance of consistent communication and how proactive measures can turn feedback into an opportunity for growth.