Clerk Typist II - PA gov’t checking in.
I had to endure similar questions at my interview. They’re mainly just trying to feel you out as a person. Speak confidently and clearly. Stand by your answers. Don’t constantly fret that you’re saying the wrong thing.
My response to that is, “If my supervisor is unable to prioritize tasking, then perhaps he/she should be working for me instead.” 
Of course, why I didn’t I think of that? That’s sure to get me a job. :smack:
This is a tricky question. If they were trying to see if you would be a good team player then you did not answer the question well. However, I don’t know what their motivation in asking you that question was.
Nothing works better than presenting one’s self as an independent worker, who only consults with their supervisor when it is warranted.
In this case, pulling a few people together to get the work done is warranted. However, it MUST be measured against the backdrop of ALL the other answers given during the interview, which help to form a picture of the person.
Without knowing all that, the answer to this question loses much of its meaning.
If the overall theme is an independent and mature worker who is able to solve/prioritize and work things out, then it’s innocuous to suggest that, under severe workload conditions where some are falling behind as a team (either of their own accord or by uncontrollable circumstances), one should consult their supervisor.
.
I agree with the “go to the boss” answer, but yours wasn’t so bad either.
I call situations like that presented in the question “declaring time bankruptcy” (ie, you don’t have enough time to do everything you are supposed to do). The way to handle them is just like a “money” bankruptcy–have a meeting of the creditors (here it’s just your boss and your co-worker’s boss, which may be the same person) and let the creditors work it out somehow.
“Fuck off”.