Tell me about a performance rating that you disagreed with.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess how you handle situations when you disagree with feedback or evaluations, especially those that impact your career. The interviewer wants to understand your ability to objectively assess your performance, manage conflicts, and communicate effectively. They are also looking for insights into your self-awareness, professionalism, and how you move forward constructively after receiving feedback that you may not agree with.

Answer

Situation: During my annual performance review at my previous job, I received a rating that was lower than I expected. The feedback specifically highlighted that my communication with team members needed improvement, which took me by surprise as I believed I had been effectively collaborating with my colleagues.

Task: I needed to understand the reason behind the rating and address the feedback constructively. My goal was to improve my performance and ensure alignment with my manager's 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 of situations where my communication fell short. I listened actively and avoided becoming defensive. After gaining clarity, I acknowledged the feedback and asked for suggestions on how I could improve. I also proposed periodic check-ins to monitor my progress and ensure continuous improvement.

Result: As a result of the discussion, I implemented the suggested strategies, such as more regular updates and feedback loops with my team. Over the next quarter, I received positive feedback on my improved communication skills. Ultimately, in my next performance review, my rating improved significantly, and I was commended for my ability to take constructive criticism and turn it into growth.