Tell me about a time when you got a performance rating you disagreed with.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle feedback and disagreement, particularly in a professional setting. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you react to situations where your perception of your performance differs from that of your supervisor. They want to see if you can handle criticism constructively, communicate effectively, and learn from the experience without becoming defensive. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help structure a coherent and impactful answer.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I received my annual performance review and was surprised to see a rating that was lower than I expected. The feedback indicated that I needed to improve my communication skills with cross-departmental teams.

Task: I needed to address this feedback constructively, understand the specific areas of improvement, and work towards enhancing my communication skills to align with organizational expectations.

Action: I scheduled a follow-up meeting with my manager to discuss the feedback in detail. During the meeting, I asked for specific examples and suggestions on how I could improve. I also expressed my perspective on the instances I believed demonstrated effective communication. After gaining clarity, I enrolled in a communication workshop and sought feedback from colleagues during team meetings to monitor my progress.

Result: Over the next few months, I noticed a significant improvement in my interactions with other departments. My manager also acknowledged my efforts and improvements in a subsequent check-in meeting. By the next performance review, my communication skills were rated as a strength, and I received a higher overall performance rating. This experience taught me the importance of seeking clarification and actively working on feedback for professional growth.