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Constructive Criticism: Can You Take It?

We've all heard the phrase "constructive criticism" throughout our lives when we do something that requires approval.  Whether you're a nursery school child who is putting together their first pyramid of blocks, a 6th grade student in art class with their first clay sculpture, or a 25 year old professional submitting a report to a superior, you'll probably wind up with some critical feedback from the person you're submitting to. 

We're all human and with different levels of resilience.  Some cry during soap operas and laugh while watching Titanic.  Some get frightened to death watching "The Ring" while others laugh hysterically during "The Grudge".

While there are varying degrees of interpretation, constructive criticism is often received as negative despite its positive intent.  There are two main reasons for this.  Either the person communicating has not conveyed their message clearly and diplomatically enough or the person receiving the criticism has not interpreted it correctly or takes it as a personal attack. 

If you're going to deliver constructive Criticism, remember that this is something best given in person.  Whenever possible, try to do a face-to-face meeting with anyone you give this type of feedback to.  For many, it's difficult enough to put themselves out there for evaluation and swallow feedback when in person let alone over an email or messaging program (about the coldest method of delivery for criticism of any kind).  Facial expression, tonality, and even a quick grasp of the hand can go a long way to providing the reassurance needed to make sure that constructive criticism is not misinterpreted and is used in a positive way.  Always focus on how to improve something by suggesting an alternative or a solution, not dismantle it by bringing to light what's wrong. 

If you're the person who is getting criticized, keep in mind the difference between constructive and destructive criticism.  Constructive criticism will always have a positive spin that will address an improvable area.  "The colors on this illustration look super!  I think if we added just a touch more blue we'd be right on the money." is vastly different than "This drawing sucks."  Sadly, many people react the same way in both cases as if they had been told that their breath smells.  Embarrassment, resentment, sadness, and anger.  Take a step back and analyze what's been said and what you can gain from it.  If you gain nothing from it, chances are that it was not constructive criticism and hardly worth a moment's thought; brush it off.  If you're given something you could improve, try it.  It's an opportunity and not an obstacle.

Our egos tell us that anything we do is spectacular.  When we put something out there for the world to see and someone comes back with criticism of any kind, we often react poorly.  This is our ego quietly saying "How DARE you?".  When we listen too much to our egos, we leave little room to grow, learn, and improve because we think we know it all.  This is why every once in a while we see an out of work mainframe programmer desperately seeking employment being constantly turned down by newer, more technologically advanced companies.  This is why we see restaurants who refuse to adapt their menus to changing tastes and health concerns hanging "out of business" signs in their windows after years of serving loyal customers. 

If you respond well to constructive criticism and use it to your advantage, you will grow along with the world in every way. 

Live in harmony,

Michael Dela Cruz, Adland Digest Editor

  

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