Tell us about some unpleasant feedback that you received?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle criticism and feedback constructively. Employers want to know if you can remain professional and use feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than responding defensively or ignoring it. They are also interested in your self-awareness and your capacity to learn from experiences.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was leading a team on a critical project with a tight deadline. During a project review meeting, my supervisor provided feedback that my communication with the team was not as effective as it could be, potentially leading to misunderstandings about project objectives.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure that the team was aligned and working efficiently towards the project's goals. It was crucial to address this feedback promptly to keep the project on track and maintain team morale.

Action: After receiving the feedback, I took a step back to evaluate my communication approach. I initiated one-on-one meetings with team members to gather their input on the communication processes. I also implemented regular team check-ins to clarify objectives and expectations. Additionally, I sought advice from a mentor on improving my communication skills.

Result: As a result of these changes, the team's understanding of the project objectives improved significantly, which was reflected in the quality of work and timely completion of tasks. The project was completed successfully, and I received positive feedback from my supervisor about the improvements in team communication. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and the value of constructive feedback in personal and professional growth.