Please recount a situation when you received unfavorable feedback?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess how you handle criticism and feedback, particularly feedback that is negative or unfavorable. Interviewers are interested in understanding your ability to accept feedback, learn from it, and make necessary adjustments. They want to see if you can remain professional, maintain a positive attitude, and use the feedback constructively to improve your performance. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help you structure your response effectively.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, I worked on a team tasked with launching a new product. During a project review meeting, my manager provided feedback that my communication with stakeholders was lacking clarity, which led to some misunderstandings about deliverables.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure smooth communication between our team and the stakeholders, clearly outlining project expectations and timelines.

Action: After receiving the feedback, I took several steps to address the issue. First, I sought a one-on-one meeting with my manager to gain a deeper understanding of the specific areas where my communication could improve. I then implemented a more structured communication plan, which included regular updates and check-ins with stakeholders. I also created detailed project documentation that outlined deliverables and timelines more clearly.

Result: As a result of these actions, communication with stakeholders improved significantly, leading to fewer misunderstandings and a more streamlined project process. My manager acknowledged the improvement in my performance, and the project was completed successfully, meeting all the initial expectations. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and the value of constructive feedback in professional growth.