How do you handle feedback and criticism from colleagues and superiors?

Sample answer to the question

I handle feedback and criticism from colleagues and superiors by maintaining an open mind and a positive attitude. I believe that feedback is important for personal and professional growth, so I actively seek it out. When receiving feedback, I listen carefully, take notes, and ask clarifying questions to fully understand the feedback. I then take the time to reflect on the feedback and identify areas where I can improve. I appreciate honesty and constructive criticism, as it helps me become better at my job. I am also receptive to feedback in different forms, such as written feedback or in-person discussions. Overall, I believe that handling feedback and criticism is a vital part of being a team player and continuously improving my skills.

A more solid answer

I approach feedback and criticism from colleagues and superiors with a proactive and open-minded mindset. I actively seek out feedback, recognizing its value in personal and professional growth. When receiving feedback, whether positive or constructive, I listen attentively and ask clarifying questions to fully understand the perspective. I take notes to ensure that I capture all the important points. Afterward, I take time to reflect on the feedback, acknowledging areas where improvement is needed and identifying actionable steps to address them. I remain appreciative of honesty and constructive criticism, as they contribute to my skill development. Additionally, I am adaptable to feedback in different forms, such as written feedback or in-person discussions. By taking feedback as an opportunity for growth, I continuously enhance my skills and contribute to the success of the team.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about how the candidate handles feedback and criticism. It demonstrates the candidate's proactive and open-minded approach, as well as their ability to reflect on feedback and take actionable steps for improvement. The answer could be further improved by including an example of how the candidate applied feedback to achieve positive results.

An exceptional answer

I embrace feedback and criticism as valuable opportunities for growth, fully understanding that they play a crucial role in personal and professional development. When it comes to receiving feedback, I actively create an environment that encourages open communication. I genuinely seek out feedback from colleagues and superiors, understanding that their different perspectives can provide valuable insights. I approach feedback sessions with a curious and receptive attitude, actively listening to understand the feedback received. To ensure clarity and commitment to improvement, I often repeat and summarize the feedback, making sure both parties are aligned. Afterward, I take time to reflect on the feedback, considering how it aligns with my goals and areas for development. I then create an action plan, outlining specific steps to address the feedback. By leveraging feedback and criticism, my goal is to continuously improve and deliver exceptional results for the team and the organization.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer demonstrates a deep understanding of the value of feedback and criticism. It emphasizes the candidate's ability to create an open and communicative environment, actively seeking feedback, and actively listening to understand it. The answer also highlights the candidate's commitment to personal growth and their ability to create actionable plans based on feedback. The answer could be further enhanced by including a specific example of how the candidate applied feedback to achieve exceptional results.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you received feedback or criticism. Think about how you handled it and what you learned from the experience.
Practice active listening skills, such as summarizing and repeating feedback to ensure understanding.
Consider the different forms feedback can take, such as written feedback, in-person discussions, or performance reviews. Prepare for each scenario.
Research strategies for effective feedback acceptance and implementation, such as the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model.
Think about how you can demonstrate your growth mindset and adaptability in your answers, using specific examples from past experiences.

What interviewers are evaluating

Communication Skills
Open-mindedness
Adaptability
Continuous Improvement