Tell me about when you were asked to change your work method or your approach?
"When I was training as assistant manager, I was told how to handle an employee who was underperforming. The exiting assistant manager coached me on how to approach this employee as they would. I emulated them, but the employee took offense to my approach. The owner later asked what went wrong. I explained things from my point of view and the owner said I shouldn't have delivered the feedback as instructed. They said that approach worked well for my predecessor but wasn't in accordance with my leadership style. The owner then coached me on how to deliver the same feedback, using my own words and perspective. The next time I met with the employee, I took responsibility and asked if we could try again. This time, things went well, and our relations improved."
They are interested in how flexible you are, and whether you adapt to, or struggle with change. On one extreme, a person with a "can-do" attitude might take any suggestions in stride, always motivated to do a better job. On the other extreme, a person might grow defensive and take such suggestions personally, or as a sign of not meeting expectations. The interviewer is interested in where you fall between these extremes.
In your example, focus on the intentions behind your approach. Demonstrate that were you hoping for gains for the greater good. Breakdown what precipitated the feedback, or the requested course correction, and how you took it in stride. Describe the benefits gained from the course correction, what you learned, how it aided in your development, and how you've grown from there.
Part of growing in a leadership role is in keeping the bigger picture of one's development in focus. It's the difference between an inflexible ridged mentality and being an eager learner who's able to adapt to change.
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