Yoda of Interview Campfires

I was in an interview recently. They interviewed us in a group, which was a weird experience. But there was a question that kinda stuck with me... and it was interesting to hear other people's answers (you know, in the way, that it was completely not interesting). "How do you, as a manager, keep someone or your team motivated and keep conflicts to a minimum, especially on difficult projects?"

The premise was superficial... and so were most of the answers..."Oh, I try to keep them focused on our goal... I try to remind them of their rewards...blah blah blah". I was bored, watching everyone in their stuffy outfits, bad shoes, and even worse hair (I really believe that hair clips should be banned from formal interview attire).

Then my turn came around. "And how would you approach this type of situation, Ms. Damian"

"Well, I find when people are unhappy, especially with work, they mostly just want to be heard. Most people seek out someone who can relate and understand why they are unhappy. If an unhappy employee can express their concerns or unhappiness to their managers, and have some sense that they understand who they are, and that they are more than who they are during work hours... it can make a big difference between having an unhappy employee and a motivated loyal employee. So, I listen. It has worked for me so far."

I don't know if it was a good answer. I just know that everyone got really quiet and starred at me like my left tit popped out of my blouse. Well, whose bad idea was it anyway, to interview people in this way, for an upper management position, no less. It's a sure fire way to invoke artificial and disingenuous response. It's also a little degrading, interviewing people like it was some sort of campfire. I figured an insightful response would throw people off.