Tell me about a time you sought feedback from your subordinates.
The interviewer is interested in learning more about your approach to your work. They're curious if you seek feedback or you wait for others to come to you. Doing the basics of your job and assuming that no news is good news isn't a sign of leadership but rather a red flag for putting in the bare minimum.
The term "you're in charge of your own development" rings true here. The answer to this question isn't in providing a single example where you sought feedback, but in how frequently you do so. "Always ask questions" is solid leadership advice in this context. This is the moniker of a person whose norm is striving to go above and beyond. Checking in with your subordinates, making sure you identify growth opportunities, ingratiating them, and affirming your collaboration and that you don't have an elitist attitude can go a long way in establishing trust with those on your team.
"Whenever I'm learning something new, I always seek feedback. I've always been wary of presumption, which can often lead to rework. I find rework discouraging and I pride myself on being proactive in my work and having a positive outlook. So, I try to strike a balance. I don't just limit external input to one person, either. Everyone has something different to offer, so the more resources I can tap into, the better my work will be. I guess I've always chomped at the bit, per se. The sooner I can get versed in something, the sooner I can overachieve."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I am all about asking questions and receiving feedback from my fellow employees and my supervisor to keep continuously growing and making improvements within my job.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great start! Can you think of a specific time you asked your team members how they felt you were performing or if there were ways you could improve or do things differently?
Unlock all 30 Department of Veterans Affairs questions
Prepare for questions about serving those who served our nation.
Get Started