{"id":4893,"date":"2016-04-16T19:13:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-16T19:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.planetofsuccess.com\/blog\/?p=4893"},"modified":"2020-02-09T15:25:50","modified_gmt":"2020-02-09T15:25:50","slug":"how-to-give-constructive-criticism-11-important-tricks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetofsuccess.com\/blog\/how-to-give-constructive-criticism-11-important-tricks\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Give Constructive Criticism \u2013 11 Important Tricks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Giving constructive criticism isn\u2019t easy. There\u2019s a big difference between well-meant criticism and giving feedback that is well-received. Without the proper tools at hand, it\u2019s quite possible that criticism is not at all well-received. Our suggestions might be simply ignored, leaving us wondering what went wrong. If you\u2019ve ever held criticism back because you were not sure how to constructively convey your opinion, then this article will be of great use for you. Here\u2019s how to give constructive criticism the right way.<\/p>\n

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Criticizing constructively is a fine art. If done correctly, constructive feedback helps an individual improve themselves without feeling bad. This form of criticism is extraordinarily powerful as it avoids personal attacks or blame. Therefore, constructive criticism allows the critic to verbalize their opinion without the buildup of resistance within the recipient. As a result, it is more likely that a person is open for change. This willingness to accept criticism is further encouraged by the positive tone constructive criticism focuses on.<\/p>\n

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Table of Contents<\/h3>\n
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  1. Constructive Criticism Definition<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. What Is Constructive Criticism?<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. What Science Has To Say about Criticism<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. How to Give Constructive Criticism?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    The opposite of constructive criticism is destructive criticism. The first focuses on the improvement of an individual to help them affect positive changes in their life. The latter uses blame to discredit and demean a person. Positive change is seldom encouraged with destructive criticism. Instead, it builds up resistance and will most likely discourage a person from doing anything about the situation.<\/p>\n

    Constructive Criticism Definition<\/h4>\n
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    noun<\/em> con\u2022struc\u2022tive<\/strong> crit\u2022i\u2022cism<\/strong> \\k\u0259n-\u02c8str\u0259k-tiv \\ \u02c8kri-t\u0259-\u02ccsi-z\u0259m\\<\/span><\/p>\n

    Constructive criticism defines the expression of careful disapproval, criticism or advice. This form of criticism is given with the intention to help someone improve. It is often accompanied with recommendations or instructions that offer possible solutions. Constructive criticism can also contain helpful advice so that positive changes can be affected.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    What Is Constructive Criticism?<\/h4>\n

    Constructive criticism describes the process of offering one\u2019s advice in a reasonable and friendly manner. The intention behind this form of criticism is to help improve a given situation. For this reason, constructive criticism does not focus on the person itself, but on the underlying problem instead.<\/p>\n

    What Science Has To Say about Criticism<\/h4>\n

    Let\u2019s have a quick look at the scientific side of criticizing. It can help us to better understand how to criticize in a more constructive manner.<\/p>\n

    First of all, criticism can be incredibly difficult for the human brain to process. This was highlighted by research conducted on the effect of criticism on functional brain connectivity<\/a>. The scientists showed that processing criticism is quite a complex process. Whenever we\u2019re criticized, there\u2019s increased activity in the brain areas responsible for social cognition and emotion processing. We try to make sense of the emotions, perceptions, beliefs and goals of the critic<\/a>. This helps us to adapt our (social) behavior.<\/p>\n

    \"How
    Conveying criticism with the intention to help others improve<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    If, however, criticism has a great emotional impact upon us, the brain will attempt to reinterpret it. This means that we exert great amounts of effort in order to regain control of our emotional state. We try to make sense of the feedback. If we\u2019re not able to accomplish this, we cannot prevent perceiving the feedback as hostile.<\/p>\n

    On the bright side, not all forms of criticism are bad. Criticism that is conveyed in a non-hostile form can be quite beneficial, as a 2012 study <\/a>suggests. The scientists found that non-hostile criticism is closely associated with less conflict and greater support. This means that if we find a right way of criticizing someone, they are more likely to accept the feedback.<\/p>\n

    What we need to do is to find a balance between criticism, advice and help. We all know from our own experience that the right kind of criticism can inspire us to tackle a problem. It can propel us to look at the situation from a different angle. In fact, the ability to give and receive criticism is critical for success. Let\u2019s focus on how to give constructive criticism.<\/p>\n

    How to Give Constructive Criticism?<\/h2>\n

    Criticizing constructively is an integral part of affecting beneficial change. Without sharing and receiving feedback, areas of improvement could go unnoticed for years. No matter if it\u2019s in your professional or private life, the willingness to give and accept criticism can be quite important. Instead of holding your opinion back, try to share it with others in a constructive manner. Let\u2019s have a look on how to give constructive criticism the right way.<\/p>\n

    1. Adapt the Feedback Sandwich Technique<\/h3>\n

    The \u201csandwich approach\u201d is quite popular when it comes to giving negative feedback. Basically, you place criticism between two slices of positive feedback, hence the name sandwich. Naturally, we assume this common technique is effective, but it isn\u2019t. In the worst case, the sandwich approach undermines your feedback<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Adapting the technique, however, can help you to eliminate its negative effects. By using a modified version of the method you can deliver feedback in an empowering way. It also helps you to communicate the criticism constructively without undermining your feedback.<\/p>\n

    Here is how the adapted process of giving feedback with the sandwich technique looks like:<\/em><\/p>\n

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    1. Start with the strengths<\/strong>. Start the feedback process by noting what is already going well.<\/li>\n
    2. Provide feedback<\/strong>. Use the above as foundation to outline possible areas of improvement.<\/li>\n
    3. Close<\/strong>. Finish your feedback by pointing out the beneficial results that could be accomplished by acting upon the criticism.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The technique provides an excellent framework that helps others to better accept criticism. By outlining what is positive you convey your appreciation for another person\u2019s work. Furthermore, you recognize what they are already doing right. Doing so will show them that it is not your attention to attack them. Following this strategy will help you to reduce resistance, which makes them more receptive to your feedback.<\/p>\n

      The Feedback Sandwich Technique is most effective when you critique someone<\/p>\n