How would you handle working for a boss who was a poor communicator?
"I have had bosses in the past who were very brief in their communication and not able to easily provide me with instruction. In those instances, I can be very independent and take tasks into my own hands with minimal direction."
"As a manager, I know how important is to be a highly effective communicator with your team and your clients. Could you describe to me the communication style of the person whom I would be reporting to in this role? If the individual is an inexperienced communicator, I can work with that, but I do not wish to collaborate with a supervisor who is unprofessional."
"The times I have had supervisors, and coworkers whos communication skills are lacking, I will address the struggle with them. Kindly and professionally, of course. It's best to nip the situation in the bud and figure out a workaround rather than letting it sit and worsen."
"In my current position, my district supervisor is rarely available. When he is, it's often quick text messages with errors. These messages are very challenging to decipher! I have learned to read his language, as well as read between the lines. It's all a learning experience!"
"Communication is incredibly important to me since we all know that a poor communicator can damage a sale or important client relationship. If my boss were a bad communicator, I would try to keep them as far a distance from my client base as possible to avoid any damage."
"I have worked with leaders and Principals who could be clearer communicators than they are. I try to stay in my lane and continue doing my job exactly as I would with a boss who was the most excellent communicator in the world. Simply put, I do not let the communication style of others affect my quality of work."
Nobody wants to work for a boss that is a bad communicator, but it can happen at times. Also, you may have a boss who is a great communicator and then has a blip from time to time. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of handling all types of communicators in the workplace. Show that you remain professional, calm, collected, and focused despite someone's else's communication style.
"If I had a boss who was not a great communicator, I would ask them how they wanted me to communicate with them. Just because their communication style does not match mine, it does not make it wrong. I can certainly learn to work with their style so long as it remains professional and respectful."
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
As with any relationship, personal or professional, I think it's important to understand expectations clearly. I would ask clarifying questions to make sure we both clearly understood the task and expectations. Repeating back what they say in my words to make sure we both are on the same page.
Alexandra's Feedback
Good answer!
Anonymous Answer
The way I would handle the situation of working for a boss that was a poor communicator is I would work closely with him or her and ask questions that may prompt them to give me the information that I may need to complete other tasks.
Rachelle's Feedback
Diving right into the situation is a good way to get the clarity that you need. Nice answer!
Anonymous Answer
The way I handle would be to ask clarifying questions to make sure we both clearly understand the task and expectations. Repeating back what they say in my words to make sure we both are on the same page.
Rachelle's Feedback
Repetition and clarification are certainly important keys to clear communication. Have you ever had this happen to you in the workplace? If so, giving a real-life answer could bring this response to life even further.
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