Giving and receiving constructive criticism

The word communication came from the Latin word communicare which means “to share.” When you communicate, you try to “connect” with another person. A communication process becomes effective when the ideas expressed are understood. This way, communication acts like a bridge to connect two or more people, enabling them to affect each other through the process.  It involves a sharing of ideas.

 Criticisms/ Feedback

Criticisms are statements of evaluation. A criticism is basically a form of feedback. It is a reaction to a statement or a message. There are two types of criticisms. These are destructive and constructive criticisms.

Definitions of Feedback.

Feedback is not disapproval, criticism or a personal attack, when feedback is constructive and consistent and is given by someone in an informed position it is very useful. 

Giving Constructive Feedback

For feedback to be most useful, it must be presented in such a way that the receiver does not feel threatened or attacked by the information. Constructive criticism can be a helpful tool when used with the intent of helping or improving a situation in the workplace.  We need to recognize that we can be a part of the problem if we are not addressing the problems or are not addressing them effectively.

Listed below are some guidelines for giving constructive feedback:

1. Direct feedback towards  to what the person did rather than who they are.
2.  Be supportive, not authoritarian or dogmatic .
3.  Be fair and reasonable, supporting judgements with evidence from observations. 
4. Take the needs, value and usefulness of the receiver into account first. 
5. Make use of “I” Statements to let the receiver know how you perceive, experience or feel about the behavior. Avoid “we” or “most people” statements. 
1. By saying, “I get upset when you…,” you help promote a productive dialogue. No one can dispute that that’s how you feel! 
2. Whereas saying “You make me upset” is more likely to lead to an argument and less communication.
6.  Feedback that relates to what, how, when, and where is based on observable events; 
7. Make feedback descriptive rather than evaluative and judgmental. 
8. Make feedback specific rather than general and abstract. 
9. Share information rather than give advice. 
10. Be sensitive to timing and selection. 
11.  Don’t compare the person’s behaviour with that of others. 
12.  Restrict feedback to what can be absorbed and understood at one time.
13. Do not apologise for your criticism when it is made in good faith and supported by evidence. 

Check whether the receiver understood your feedback. One way of doing this is to ask the receiver to rephrase the feedback to see if it corresponds to what the sender had in mind.

When you are Giving and Receiving Feedback  to someone else you should be aware of the ten points in the box below

 RECEIVING  CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Giving effective feedback is an art and a skill.  Feedback is a way to let people know how effective they are in what they are trying to accomplish.  It provides a way for people to learn how they affect the world around them, and it helps us to become more effective

Although receiving fair and valid feedback that is presented in a constructive manner can be very instructive and helpful. Most of us find critical feedback difficult to receive.  

1.  Accept and Manage Your Emotions : Most people tend to react to constructive feedback, especially if it is feedback they don’t particularly like, with a little surprise or shock, quickly followed by anger and then rejection or denial. 

2.  Reflect on the Feedback : Take time to analyze the feedback and determine what you think it means for you

3.  Talk With the Feedback Giver(s) Talking with the person(s) who gave you feedback is the most important part of the process. 

4.  Listen for understanding and information, without thinking about your response. Avoid countering, judging or evaluating what is being said. “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” (Stephen R. Covey)

5.  Admit ignorance or confusion when you do not understand what is being said or are somewhat confused. Nothing is gained if you don’t understand what is being said and do nothing about it. 

6.  Avoid getting defensive. If others  criticize you or your actions, calmly acknowledge the possibility that there may be some truth in the criticism or their point of view. You  have to receive any criticism without becoming anxious or defensive. .