Tell me about a time you made a suggestion your manager rejected.

What You Need to Know
Answer Example

Before making any suggestions for innovation, you first need to gain a big-picture view of why things are done the way they are done. Without having that valuable information, it will be impossible to make an impact. So a key part of this communication is asking questions, then improvising your innovation according to what you learn. Even if your suggestions are turned down, you're showing initiative. This will be seen in a positive light as long as you don't take the rejection personally. The key is to present yourself as humble, calm, and professional, always striving to improve your performance and learn and grow.

"If I had an idea, I'd first ask them questions to see if this idea would be useful. The last thing I want to do is offer a suggestion without knowing whether this idea will be received well. Doing that would make me look more inexperienced than I am. After understanding the big-picture, I'd ask if they've ever thought of my idea before. There's a good chance this idea has been thought of before, and there could be a good reason they didn't implement it. If they liked the idea, that's great. If there is a reason they chose not to pursue that course of action, then I'd take that and learn from it. At least they'd know I was trying, keeping my eye on the big picture, learning, and taking ownership of my development. That's a win-win. Let me tell you about the last time this happened..."

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How to Answer: Tell me about a time you made a suggestion your manager rejected.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Walt Disney World job interview.

2. Tell me about a time you made a suggestion your manager rejected.

What You Need to Know

Before making any suggestions for innovation, you first need to gain a big-picture view of why things are done the way they are done. Without having that valuable information, it will be impossible to make an impact. So a key part of this communication is asking questions, then improvising your innovation according to what you learn. Even if your suggestions are turned down, you're showing initiative. This will be seen in a positive light as long as you don't take the rejection personally. The key is to present yourself as humble, calm, and professional, always striving to improve your performance and learn and grow.

Written by Kevin Downey on November 12th, 2022

Answer Example

"If I had an idea, I'd first ask them questions to see if this idea would be useful. The last thing I want to do is offer a suggestion without knowing whether this idea will be received well. Doing that would make me look more inexperienced than I am. After understanding the big-picture, I'd ask if they've ever thought of my idea before. There's a good chance this idea has been thought of before, and there could be a good reason they didn't implement it. If they liked the idea, that's great. If there is a reason they chose not to pursue that course of action, then I'd take that and learn from it. At least they'd know I was trying, keeping my eye on the big picture, learning, and taking ownership of my development. That's a win-win. Let me tell you about the last time this happened..."

Written by Kevin Downey on November 12th, 2022

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