Interview tips : How would you answer this question

I had an interview recently and was asked a question that I've never been asked before:

If your supervisor/manager gave you a goal to meet, what process would you take to meet this goal? What steps would you take?

How would one answer this question?

I stumbled on this question and asked the interviewer to rephrase it for me.

The interview went well overall, by-the-way, and I was made an offer but I still would like to know how you would answer this question.

Thanks.

To answer this question, you could use a framework to answer the question. A simple framework that you naturally use in your day-to-day work is "plan - do - check." Answering the question using this framework might look something like the following:

"If my supervisor gave me a goal, I'd work towards it using three steps.

First, I'd plan the work. I'd confirm with my supervisor what he'd like me to accomplish and by when. I'd ask him for the relative priority of this goal with respect to the other work that he's given me. I'd then identify work required to complete the goal, thinking about how to sequence it an and fit it into my work schedule.

Second, I'd act. I'd execute my work plan to meet the goal. Depending on the size of the work, I might need to readjust my plan as I learn more about the work required to achieve this goal. I'd give progress updates as needed to my supervisor.

Finally, I'd check. Once I've achieved the goal, I'd check in with my supervisor to confirm that I met his requirements and see if there's any follow-on work required.

Without knowing more about the job itself, it's tough to tell you exactly what to say. But in general, meeting goals goes with virtually every job there is. We are all given things to complete and accomplish, and there are always ways to improve.

To successfully handle this question, you need to show that you understand how important goals are, and that you do take them very seriously. To meet them, you'd need a clear understanding what they are. Then you'd manage your time and your priorities appropriately in order to meet them.

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How would you answer this question