How do you respond to criticism, either from a colleague or from a patient?

As your career progresses, you may face criticism from a variety of sources, such as customers, colleagues, managers, and vendors. While some criticism is irrelevant or unjustified, others can provide valuable opportunities for improvement. Learning to evaluate criticism and respond appropriately can help you develop your professional skills and advance in your career.

Criticism from a colleague is often constructive, but criticism from a patient may not be. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you can handle constructive or destructive criticism. Constructive criticism is a chance to learn and grow. Show the interviewer you understand the difference and can handle criticism from patients and colleagues.

Answer: I understand that criticism is necessary in order to improve and grow. I would like to believe that any criticism I receive from colleagues will be constructive and will provide me with an opportunity to improve in my role. Patients' criticism is not always constructive, and I recognize that it must be handled differently. I understand that patients may find the experience stressful, and that emotions may cause them to complain or say things they do not mean or are not justified in saying. I would take patient criticism seriously and listen to what they had to say. Most importantly, I maintain my cool throughout the conversation. I don't take such criticism personally and instead treat it as a learning experience.