Can you provide an example of when you had to offer constructive criticism to someone, and how did you approach it?
ExperienceProfessional Growth
Purpose
This question checks if you can give feedback tactfully. In residency, you'll guide others, so they want to see if you can do it without causing offense or conflict.
Tips
- Pick a scenario where you noticed something that needed feedback.
- Use the STAR-L method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, Lessons Learned.
- Choose the right time and place for the conversation.
- Be respectful and focus on behavior and solutions, not personal attacks.
- Mention any positive result or how the feedback was received.
Common mistakes
- Being too vague, like saying 'I told someone to do better.'
- Describing a confrontation that went poorly without learning from it.
- Sounding blunt or accusatory, which can lead to defensiveness.
- Ignoring the importance of timing and setting for the conversation.
- Not reflecting on what you learned from the experience.
Background
Use STAR-L to structure responses to questions about your experiences: -Situation: Briefly set the scene - where/when and what was going on? -Task: What was your specific role or challenge in that situation? -Action: What you did - focus on your steps, decisions, and contributions. -Result: Share the outcome - ideally positive or meaningful. -Lessons Learned: Reflect on what you took away and how you’ve grown.