If you were unfairly criticized, what would you do?

"If you were unfairly criticized, what would you do?"

This is the hardest question I have to answer here. Being unfairly criticized is one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate it when it happens and I usually blow up. I get mad and start to argue. But as you know, this is a bad answer to this question. They are asking you this question because they want to see if you will react professionally. Any answer that shows professionalism will be good.

Short Answers

"I'd probably ask for clarity on the criticism. I think it's important to accept criticism for self improvement, but if it's unfair, then I will clear things up by asking for clarity."

"When I'm unfairly criticized, I usually think about the criticism and try to view it from a different angle. If I still can't see why I was criticized, then I'll approach the person and initiate a dialog to resolve the unfair criticism."

"I usually use all criticism to help me grow. If I was criticized unfairly, there must be a little truth to it. I'll learn as much as I can from it, but if it was really out of line, I would definitely approach the person and ask for clarity."

Long Answers

"If I was unfairly criticized in private, then I would initiate dialog asking why he or she thought this way. I would try to understand their point of view and explain my point of view. If I was unfairly criticized in public, then I would be a little upset but I would wait to address the problem until the person criticizing me was alone. I would do this because if I'm upset, I wouldn't want to start an argument without thinking. So after some time, I would approach the person and ask him or her why I was criticized. If it was justified, then I would use that as constructive criticism to improve myself. If not, then I would tell that person that it isn't good to publicly criticize someone when they are not sure if it is correct."

This is a professional answer, but it could sound like you are a weak person. If you want an example of becoming upset, then this is how I would get upset in a professional way.

"If I'm publicly criticized unjustly, I would immediately ask that person on what grounds he or she is saying that. One of my pet peeves is putting someone down in public and if I don't say anything there, then this person is getting away with something terrible, and everyone there will think I did something wrong. I would keep my temper in check but make sure that people know the criticism wasn't justified."