Criticism is the inspection and judgment of the merits and demerits of a work. Criticism never seems good and there is nothing pleasant about it. Even the critique having a best intentions still stings. All of us like to be right, accomplished and correct even when we are not, it still hurts to hear the truth, no matter how nice others critique tries to be.
But if you are one of those who struggle to improve themselves, you will value the direct feedback no matter how uncomfortable and painful it is. And as long as the critic is not being cruel, you can actually build a higher level of trust by providing constructive criticism carefully and empathetically.
So whenever you are reviewing a family member, friend or an employee, always give critique in a way it will be appreciated and well received. In this article, we will describe some characteristics of constructive criticism to help you give a positive review, so read the complete article.
Constructive Criticism Is Descriptive
This type of criticism is descriptive instead of evaluative. By portraying a person’s own reactions, it leaves a person independent to use it or not to use it as he sees suitable. By evading evaluative language, it decreases the need for a person to respond defensively.
Constructive Criticism Is Specific
Rather than general, the positive criticism is specific. Probably it will not be as useful to be told that a person is dominating instead constructive criticism comprises positive way such as if we say “In the meeting that just held, you did not seem to pay attention to what others were saying, and I felt constrained to accept your arguments.”
Constructive Criticism Is Focused On The Behavior
It is not focused on the person, in fact, it is focused on the behavior of a person. It is necessary that we focus on what a person is doing and what is his way of doing a thing rather than to whom we think or imagine he is.
For instance, in a meeting, we had a co-worker who talked a lot, for criticism we might say that he talked more than anyone else in this meeting. Rather than that he is a loud-mouth. The former criticism allows for the possibility of change while the latter projects a fixed personality trait.
Constructive Criticism Takes Into Account The Need Of A Person
It takes into account the requirements of both the receiver and giver of criticism. It can be demolishing when it serves only a person’s own needs who is a sender and fails to ponder the requirements of the person. It must be kept in mind that it should be given for improvement, not to hurt. We also, most of the times give feedback because it makes us feel happy, improved or gives us a mental advantage.
Constructive Criticism Does Not Remind Shortcomings Of A Person
As it is described earlier, constructive criticism is directed toward behavior and when a person is reminded of some shortcomings, the frustration is only increased over which he has no control.
Constructive Criticism Is Solicited
Rather than imposed it is solicited. Criticism is most beneficial when the receiver has understood the kind of question and after analyzing can answer, or when the actively seeks and accepts the feedback.
Constructive Criticism Is Well-Timed
Generally, feedback is most useful at the earliest opportunity when the behavior is given. Of course, it depends on the person’s alertness to hear it, available support from others, and so on. The acceptance and use of criticism consist many possible emotional reactions. A positive and good feedback presented at an unsuitable time may do the worst than good.
Constructive Criticism Shares Information Rather Than Giving Advice
Constructive Criticism involves sharing of information instead of giving advice. By parceling information, we leave an individual free to decide for him, in accordance with his own goals and needs. If we give advice it means that we are telling him what he has to do, and to some level snatching his freedom to decide for himself.
Constructive Criticism Does Not Over Load Information
It consists the value of information which the receiver can use instead the amount we would prefer to give. Too much criticism or overloading a person with comments is just like to decrease the possibility that he may be able to apply what he receives effectively.
When we provide more information than which can be used, it means we are satisfying some necessities of our own rather than encouraging the other person.
Constructive Criticism Concerns What Is Said?
It takes into account what is done and said, or how, not why. The “why” word converts us from the perceivable to the assumed and involves acquisitions regarding goals or intentions. Telling a person what his objectives or intentions are often more than not trying to result in a defensive response.
Constructive Criticism Does Not Attack Personally
Comments which can harm the self-respect of a person are not included in the constructive criticism such as;
- I’m so sick and tired of.
- You’re so stupid.
- You are negative.
- You are lazy.
- You are unorganized.
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