Constructive criticism is a positive communication technique that identifies problems and promotes self-improvement. It can be used by anyone, but professionals may provide more in-depth analysis. The delivery should be factual, balanced with positive points, and use “I” language. Therapists need to remain neutral. Timing is also important, and the recipient’s emotional state should be considered.
Constructive criticism is a communication technique aimed at identifying and finding solutions to problems in a positive way. Anyone can use the strategy, although in many cases, professionals can provide more in-depth analysis. It usually applies to the work performed by a person or to the behavior of an individual. People respond to the method differently based on their experiences, preferences, and psychology, but good, timely delivery can make a person more receptive to the message.
Scope
Unlike general negative criticism, a constructive analysis, as the title suggests, builds someone. Identify at least one problem and get a person to think about what caused the problem. He also invites her to find possible solutions to whatever is going wrong. By promoting problem solving and self-improvement, it advances a person to the next level of behavior or success.
Request
This type of analysis is often broadly associated with a person’s work, especially in fields such as art. People also use it when observing behavior. While experts in a particular area may be able to provide a more in-depth analysis, you don’t need to be a professional to apply this technique. Friends and parents, for example, use it to guide loved ones through difficult times or help them develop certain behaviors or skills.
Reception
Some individuals take constructive criticism too personally, reacting more with emotion than logic and allowing what others have said to hurt their self-esteem. These people generally miss the fact that whatever was said was meant with good intentions. They are usually consciously or unconsciously willing to accept whatever the other person says as the truth.
However, the opposite can also happen. In these cases, the advice is rejected outright. Those who are criticized become defensive, sometimes even verbally attacking the person or group they have been trying to help. This could be because self-esteem is excessively high, or it could be because the individuals being criticized are trying to protect themselves from feeling bad. Another reason is that the recipient doesn’t respect the speaker.
Ideally, when a person is criticized, they respond with a balance between these two scenarios. They react emotionally to some extent but are able to use logic and remain objective to see the elements of truth in what has been said. The next step is to self-analyze and develop a game plan on how to make improvements to the project, situation or type of behavior. Doing so requires the ability to identify at least some of the good personal qualities or resources available. This, in turn, requires awareness of oneself and one’s environment.
General delivery
How someone gives constructive criticism affects how receptive another person is to it. When an individual becomes overly detailed and overly assertive in their criticism, the person being evaluated may feel overwhelmed and become defensive. The same thing can happen if the message is too emotionally charged.
In general, although the person giving the constructive criticism should be able to connect emotionally with the person being evaluated, the criticism should be factual. It should focus on just one issue at a time and start out broad, becoming more specific as the conversation goes on. It should also use “I” language and be balanced with a few positive points, as someone is less likely to respond defensively. Finally, an effort to use questions can help, as it gives the person being assessed a chance to respond, promoting solid two-way communication.
For example, someone might say, “I absolutely love the effort you are putting into catching the ball out there on the field, but I feel that getting to the ball a little earlier would give you a chance to improve your technique. What do you think of your speed? Do you have any ideas on how to shave some time?”
The message above is effective because it offers positive reinforcement first, disarming the listener. He clearly identifies that the technique needs some improvement, even pointing out that speed is related to the problem, but the speaker’s use of the “I” language prevents the listener from feeling attacked. Delivery also ends by giving the person being criticized a chance to respond with their thoughts, opinions and feelings. He puts the search for a solution in the hands of the listener, making him feel empowered.
therapist
Therapists are one group that need to slightly tweak the expression of constructive criticism. They usually want to remain as neutral and objective with clients as possible, so they pay more attention to the use of “I” language and are careful not to introduce their own emotions or opinions. One reason for this is because there are legal ramifications associated with outright implying or giving directions to clients. Most therapists also believe that therapy is most effective when the client learns to formulate and implement their own solutions to identified problems. Some clients are too emotionally fragile to take too much criticism.
Synchronization
Even when people know how to use constructive criticism well in terms of phrasing and content, when they deliver their message is just as important as how they deliver it. If a person is extremely upset, for example, her emotional state may prevent her from truly absorbing what the rater said. Giving the message soon after a problem is identified is also a good idea, because the more time that passes after an error or improvement opportunity, the less relevant or urgent the problem seems. Those offering this type of message therefore have a responsibility to pay attention to the recipient and their circumstances to understand if it is the right time to speak up.
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