Criticise, but without attacking the person

THE EDITOR: With the campaigning for the August 10 general election in full swing, I feel the need to differentiate between constructive and destructive criticism but more so because people use the term “constructive criticism” loosely. They are unaware of the manner in which constructive criticism should be given and the fact that its delivery can affect a person’s well-being and mental health.

According to Wikipedia, “constructive criticism is the process of offering valued and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than oppositional one.”

Excessive negative criticism can make the receiver become defensive, passive or feel defeated. Personality issues should always be avoided.

Here are nine helpful tools that can be utilised when giving constructive criticism:

1. Use the “feedback sandwich” or PIP method. This simply means starting with a positive comment or praise, followed by the item or items to improve and ending with a positive item or praise.

2. Focus on the situation and not the person. This will prevent the person feeling attacked.

3. Think about the timing.

4. Use a “straw man.” Tell a story about someone else to illustrate your point. It is much easier to accept criticism when the speaker does not say, for example, “you” and “your” mistakes.

5. Offer specific suggestions. This gives the receiver a concrete area in which he/she should improve.

6. Keep your language positive. Instead of saying “your presentations are not properly explained,” try saying “I would love to see you elaborate more on your presentations.”

7. Stick to “I” statements. Rather than say “you don’t speak clearly enough,” try saying “I would love to hear you speak up a bit more.”

8. Be conscious of your tone.

9. Consider: “Does it really need to be said?”

Differences between constructive criticism and destructive criticism are as follows:

Constructive criticism:

1. Intends to educate

2. Is related to work

3. Helps build on an idea

4. Makes the outcome better

5. Is intelligent and calculated

6. Comes along to help

7. Focuses on the problem and not the receiving person

8. Explains why the problem or situation is not good

9. Suggests ways in which the problem or situation can be improved

10. Is done with the intention to help with the situation or to solve the problem

Destructive criticism:

1. Intends to embarrass

2. Feels like a personal attack

3. Tears down an idea

4. Makes the person feel worse

5. Includes rapid-fire and random responses

6. Tries to take over

7. Lacks specific details about the problem or situation one is unhappy about

8. Focuses on the individual at fault and not the problem or situation

9. Does not offer any suggestions about how the problem or situation can be improved

10. Is aimed at hurting the feelings, self-esteem and confidence of the receiving person

We can give constructive criticism without attacking a person or their character.

LU-ANN CATO-DANIEL

via e-mail