Constructive Criticism

Criticism, commonly taken as a synonym for disapproval expressed by pointing out one's faults, can actually be a thoughtful analysis if done constructively. Constructive criticism is an expression of compassion towards the person whose work one is criticizing. Constructive critics often have a healthy relationship with the person they qualify for criticism. The cordial relationship between the critic and the criticized helps both the parties handle constructive criticism in the right way.

Criticism in the form of unintentional yet hurtful judgments may be difficult for the critic to give and the criticized to receive. But if taken in the right spirit, it can actually help. Constructive criticism can be called as a critical evaluation of a piece of work and it can help in its improvement. Constructive criticism is rather a necessity of every new work. It helps the creator of the piece of work bring out improvement in the work; it helps the creator get his/her work analyzed by creative critics. For constructive criticism to serve its purpose it is important for both parties to deal with criticism with a positive spirit.

The critic should understand the reason behind his/her criticism. It is not correct to criticize something just for the heck of it. The knowledge of the field of work, the expertise in the field gives a person the right to criticize the works that come under that field. One should criticize only those works about which he/she has a deep knowledge. Shallow information about a subject, a mere know-how of certain things surrounding the subject and biases that a person bears about another person or his/her work, are detrimental to constructive criticism.

Offer criticism to the actual subject and not to the person. If a person's behavior is to be criticized, do only that and avoid fingering the person for other issues. It is not right to get personal with criticism. It become heartbreaking for the person accepting it and can pollute human relations. Invite discussion rather than offering advise and keep the criticism open to a two-way dialogue. Emphasize on the present times rather than giving references of the past. Be it a constructive criticism, but do not overdo it.

It is absolutely necessary for you to be prepared for accepting criticism. Your right to criticize implies the fact that you can be criticized some day. Learn to be sportive enough to receive criticism from others. If you think your constructive criticism was of any help to someone, do not forget that someone's constructive criticism may also help you. When it comes to accepting criticism, many try to resist it. Most of us hate being criticized. We think of criticism as something that hampers our self-esteem. However, the truth is that constructive criticism can help us know our limits or shortcomings. It can help us get an exact picture of our strengths and weaknesses.

Parents and teachers often take to constructive criticism to help their children or students improve. Imagine never being criticized by an elder. Think of the yesteryears of your life without that element of criticism? How would it have been? Would you have become what you are today? Would you be able to work on your weaknesses if you were never made aware of them? Would you be able to correct your flaws if no one would have ever pointed them out to you? I am sure none of us would have achieved what we have without facing criticism. If not for the constructive criticism that made us understand ourselves, I do not think anyone of us would have been able to mend our mistakes.

So the next time you are criticized for something, do not feel discouraged. Be grateful to your critics for their ‘constructive’ criticism.