I have actually never been asked this, but think it would be a great question. Every manager knows that s*^% can hit the fan, especially for the poor new guy. The poor new guy knows this as well. I believe asking this question will make the server talk about their past mistakes, (if they admit to any). It will also open a gateway for conversation about their past mistakes; how they handled them and if they own them, or if they pass the buck and blame others.