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Manager Mock Interview

Question 21 of 32 for our Manager Mock Interview

Manager was updated by on March 30th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 21 of 32

Tell me about a time you provided honest feedback to a team member.

"When providing feedback, I like to use the 3x3 method, which I was trained on in my first management position. With this method, I offer up three strengths and three potential areas for development. I had a team member who was often late to work or would call in sick. I let her know that she was well-liked by her coworkers. I told her that our clients complimented her customer service skills. I said I appreciated her willingness to help new hires. Then, I let her know that her team felt disappointed, hurt, and lost trust in her whenever she would call in sick, leave early, or show up late to her shift. Together we worked on a 30-day perfect attendance plan. In the end, she did much better and, although her attendance was not perfect, it significantly improved."

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How to Answer: Tell me about a time you provided honest feedback to a team member.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Manager job interview.

  • 21. Tell me about a time you provided honest feedback to a team member.

      What You Need to Know

      Providing helpful feedback is an art and a skill that every Manager should work hard to possess. The interviewer wants to know that you can provide honest and helpful feedback to your team members when needed. Helpful feedback means that you are specific, make the advice actionable, and provide your employee with a clear timeline for change. Discuss any formal training you have received on giving feedback or a book you have read on the topic. Perhaps you use a particular methodology that works every time!

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Answer Example

      "When providing feedback, I like to use the 3x3 method, which I was trained on in my first management position. With this method, I offer up three strengths and three potential areas for development. I had a team member who was often late to work or would call in sick. I let her know that she was well-liked by her coworkers. I told her that our clients complimented her customer service skills. I said I appreciated her willingness to help new hires. Then, I let her know that her team felt disappointed, hurt, and lost trust in her whenever she would call in sick, leave early, or show up late to her shift. Together we worked on a 30-day perfect attendance plan. In the end, she did much better and, although her attendance was not perfect, it significantly improved."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I use a sandwich method for feedback. Give them a positive, deliver in the area to improve with a plan on how, and finish on a positive so they leave feeling upbeat and not disheartened by the feedback.
      Previously this was based on the speed of contacting inquiries combined with a lack of follow-up after initial contact.
      To give the feedback I asked for 5 minutes of their time, gave them positive feedback on how they have been a great team player, and followed with are you open to hearing of a way you can improve your sales and make more commission? I then gave feedback to improve the call-back time from 48 hours to within 24 hours and 4 follow-ups afterward. This improved their booking ratio for consultations by 10%."

      Jaymie's Feedback

      This is a good example! Don't forget to share the last piece of the "feedback sandwich" in your example. Excellent job including the positive result of your coaching in your response!

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