Describe a time when you had to provide difficult feedback to a colleague or subordinate.

I once had to provide difficult feedback to a subordinate who was not meeting the expectations in terms of patient care. I approached the situation by scheduling a private meeting with the individual, where I started by acknowledging their efforts and dedication. But I also expressed my concerns and provided specific examples of instances where their performance fell short. I focused on the impact their actions had on patient outcomes and explained why it was important to address these issues. We discussed potential solutions and set clear expectations for improvement. I offered my support and guidance moving forward, and we agreed on a plan for regular check-ins to monitor progress.

In my previous role as a Junior Bariatric Physician, I encountered a situation where I had to provide challenging feedback to a colleague regarding their bedside manner with patients. I believed their approach lacked empathy and was not in line with our commitment to providing excellent patient care. To address this issue, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting in a comfortable and non-confrontational setting. I started the conversation by acknowledging their strengths and the positive impact they had made in other areas. Then, I discussed specific incidents where patients felt uncomfortable or unheard due to their communication style. I emphasized the importance of developing a genuine concern for patients' well-being and explained how it directly impacts their overall experience and treatment outcomes. I offered constructive suggestions for improvement, such as active listening techniques and practicing empathy. To ensure their success, I provided resources like articles, videos, and even suggested shadowing more experienced colleagues to learn from their techniques. We also agreed to have regular check-ins to monitor their progress and address any questions or concerns they might have had.

The solid answer provides more specific details and examples of how the candidate handled the situation. It demonstrates their ability to address performance issues with empathy and offer constructive solutions for improvement. However, it could further emphasize the importance of communication and interpersonal skills in the context of the job requirements.

During my tenure as a Junior Bariatric Physician, I encountered an important experience that required me to provide difficult feedback to a colleague regarding their lack of commitment to ongoing professional development in the field of bariatric medicine. As our team's continuous education coordinator, I had noticed a significant decline in their engagement with research initiatives and their attendance at conferences and seminars. To address this issue, I approached the conversation with empathy and curiosity, seeking to understand the underlying reasons behind their disinterest. During our one-on-one meeting, I first expressed genuine appreciation for their contributions and highlighted the positive impact their participation in ongoing professional development could have on their career growth and the quality of patient care. Then, I asked open-ended questions to uncover any challenges or concerns they might be facing. It turned out that they were feeling overwhelmed with clinical responsibilities and were unsure how to prioritize their time effectively. In response, I shared my own strategies for balancing clinical work and professional development, including time management techniques and leveraging resources within the team. We also discussed the value of collaboration and how attending conferences and seminars could provide inspiration and networking opportunities. To support their growth, I worked with them to create a personalized professional development plan that aligned with their interests and goals. We scheduled regular check-ins to ensure accountability and celebrate their progress. As a result, the colleague regained their enthusiasm for continuous education and successfully completed several research projects and presentations.

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive example of how the candidate addressed a challenging feedback situation with a colleague regarding their commitment to ongoing professional development. It showcases their ability to approach difficult conversations with empathy and curiosity, actively listening and providing personalized support. The answer also emphasizes the value of collaboration and demonstrates the candidate's leadership skills as the continuous education coordinator. Additionally, it highlights the importance of ongoing professional development in the field of bariatric medicine, which aligns with one of the job requirements stated in the job description.