Whether it is from a colleague or manager, nobody likes criticism even if it is a constructive criticism. Sometimes the receiver of criticism may interpret it as a way for a person to express unsatisfied feelings, a personal attach, or even a kind of insult. Delivering criticism in the wrong way or manner can create misunderstandings, tensions, or even damage relationships leading to problems in the workplace. Therefore, it is very important to learn and/or improve on the skill of delivering constructive criticism effectively.
So how can you deliver constructive criticism both in a good manner and effectively?
According to Wikipedia, the definition of constructive criticism aims to show that the intent or purpose of something is better served by an alternative approach. In this case, the target of the criticism is not necessarily deemed wrong and should not be disrespected. Instead, the deliver should stress that the same goal could be better achieved using a different route.
I think at the least we should do the following things: First, find a proper setting that is private where your conversation will not be interrupted or overheard by other coworkers. A neutral setting may also be a good idea so the receiver of the criticism will not feel threatened. It is also important to choose a proper time to deliver the criticism.
Second, when delivering the criticism do it calmly and in a positive manner. The conversation should be a talk not a quarrel. Remember to give credit for any positive results they have achieved at the beginning so the receiver will know that you acknowledged their efforts and be more positive to accept criticism.
Third, always remember that there is no room for personal attacks when it comes to delivering constructive criticism. In a workplace, everyone has the right to defend their ideas as long as the idea does not break any rules and morals of the workplace. Whether the idea or is good or bad does not mean the person is good or bad. It is the idea that matters so your criticism should focus on commenting on the idea not the person. Your use of language should be professional and appropriate.
Fourth, always remember that the main reason for the criticism is to help the receiver improve as an employee.
Fifth, identify the problem directly and make your suggestion or advice clearly. Never talk too much or make ambiguous comments. Use words like “I think it will be better if you…” “I suggest you…” “I have a suggestion that…” when you present your suggestions and arguments.
For people who receive constructive criticism from a colleague or manager they should learn to embrace it. Take it as a chance to improve and not as a personal attack. Be serious about it and show that you are willing to accept and improve and be sincere about your resolve and don’t be afraid to ask for help.A friendly and positive work environment not only results in better productivity but also happier workers. Every employee has the responsibility to help create such a working environment but that does not mean there is no room for criticism. As long as we can make effective constructive criticism in a proper manner and accept it sincerely we can achieve a positive result beneficial to the receiver of the criticism while maintaining a harmonized work environment.
Question:
1. Do you think constructive criticism is important to improve work environment and work performance?
2. Do you have other suggestions on this topic?
You are welcome to discuss this topic with me. Not to mention that I am also open to any constructive criticism so please feel free to post comments on what you have read.
Survey questions:
1. Do you think at least 50% of criticisms are not constructive criticism?
2. Constructive criticism will create conflicts no matter how you make it?
3. Do you think constructive criticism helps improve the relationship between colleagues?
4. Do you always feel free to give colleague constructive criticism?
5. Do you feel uncomfortable delivering constructive criticism?
6. Are you willing to accept constructive criticism?
Related sites and journal articles:
1. How to Provide Constructive Criticism
2.Prepare for Giving Constructive Criticism
3.10 Tips to Manage Criticism
4. The Art of Taking Criticism
Related video:
How to Offer Constructive Criticism
Hey Liya,
ReplyDeleteThis is a good writeup and I totally agree with the points you mentioned.
Experience has thought me, that only friends take constructive criticism they way it's intended to. However, amongst colleagues, despite the effort made to deliver constructive criticism, it usually ends up hurting the sentiments/ego of the receiver.
Hi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteWhat you said is truth. That is why we have to be careful when we make constructive criticism. We have to be cautious to the manner, the tone and the approach. Sometimes even just a small mistake; it might end up with a negative result.
No matter what kind of criticism is given, someone will eventually take it the wrong way. They'll feel like they are being attacked for one little thing.
ReplyDeleteIf you are sincere in what you are criticizing though, it should at least shorten the emotional impact it has on the employee, and hopefully it also benefits them as then they know what they can do to be more effective and efficient.
Hi Liya
ReplyDeleteI thought you had some excellent tips for giving constructive criticism and how to avoid going about it the wrong way. To your first question I think constructive criticism is deffenitley important to improving work performance. Rather than just blatantly telling someone their wrong can discourage them completlely. But if you were to go about it in a constructive manner to get them back on task they might feel relieved to know how they can get satisfaction from their colleagues.
Hi Aaron,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned two things i forgot: effective and efficient.Your points really make sense when refers effective and efficient which we have learned in economic course. I think companies should do some training to improve workers' communication skills, and it helps workers improve their skill of making constructive critisim as well.
Hi James,
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that is why the constructive criticism is different from criticism. People feel it is more like a chance to improve than be blamed on something. Actually, I have a question for you: will you feel bad if your classmate make a constructive criticism in an improper way?
Yes, that's true because nobody is perfect in this world, therefore nobody's work is perfect. Everyone would benefit from some objective, accurate critical feedback and that can be help to develop the skills of workers and their performance at workplace. That is a critical role for Constructive criticism.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I will take constructive criticism from a colleague that has a good intention in mind and not to criticize just for sake of criticizing. It takes a good communication and trust in that person to accept his input.
ReplyDeleteIf constructive criticism is taken in a wrong way by the person being criticized, then there must be some underlying tone in the initial criticism. People need to work on criticizing without being condescending, patronizing, or showing some threatening intention (such as an intent to rise up the corporate ladder).
ReplyDeletePointing out a co-worker’s mistakes or bad behaviour is one of the hardest things to do. What if the co-worker thinks that he/she didn’t do anything wrong. Furthermore, the co-worker was very proud of what he/she did, and you provide constructive criticism, without knowing what his/her reaction will be. There is a possibility that conflict could occur.
ReplyDeleteDifferent people who are being criticized take criticism in a different way. It some times also depends on how your working relationships are and what is the level of understanding between you, at the work place. It may help the person who is criticising the other, eplain his point of view in a better way. Criticism, however, most of the time is thought as weakness on part of the person being criticized.
ReplyDeleteCriticism should be positive and constructive and should not be meant to humiliate the other. It should be taken as private matter and meant keep thigs right in the work place and for the betterment of the company.
I don't think I'd have much trouble constructively criticizing a co-worker. We learn to criticize without being offensive through our interactions with our close friends. I think the main element in non-confrontational criticism is humour. Its all in the sincere smile and light hearted chuckle. :)
ReplyDeleteAs Serdar said, it isn't much trouble giving constructive criticism to a co-worker. You just have to make sure it's not in an offensive matter.
ReplyDeleteWhile I fully support Sedar's suggestion of using humour to get the message across, there are always exceptions to the rule. Many a time people just don’t understand that the jest was directed at their faults and that they need to correct it. In times like these the tips from this blog should probably help rectify the situation.
ReplyDeleteLike Khalid said, It depends on who you are dealing with. Someone with a hot temper may interpret something in a different way than someone with a gentle personality and positive thinking who takes it very thankfully.
ReplyDeleteI think it is ok to use humour when making constructive criticism. But I think that also depends on the character of the person you make constructive criticism to. Some people are actually very serious when talking about something about work. So I think we still have to pay attention to the way we make the humour.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I believe it is very important to focus this constructive criticism on the employee's performance, not on his/her personal characteristics.
ReplyDeleteIf the criticism is in the best interest of the business and employees then its welcomed. But it becomes untolerable when we target someone and criticize him/her for some irrelevent matters that have nothing to do with business interests.
ReplyDelete