Constructive Criticism Is Good For You

It is as important to know how to offer constructive criticism as it is to accept it. You have to learn to put yourself in the other’s shoes and tell them what you think so that it allows them to improve.

The famous “constructive criticism” has nothing to do with complaining about others all day long.

What is the difference ? The attitude! The former are intended to help, the latter to make people uncomfortable and hurt.

Plus, constructive reviews have been shown to be good for your health. Would you like to know why? So don’t miss this article!

What are constructive criticism?

We could define them as opinions given to someone (or ourselves) for the purpose of helping. They must come from a mature, respectful and responsible attitude.

The value of these constructive criticisms is based on the point: to achieve a positive change in the other, to collaborate so that this person becomes better etc.

However, in many cases, giving your point of view in an altruistic way can be frowned upon. We often think that it is to interfere in what happens to others or that it is a way of criticizing negatively what they do.

Nothing further from reality! Constructive criticism develops good values ​​in us.

Some of them are loyalty, honesty and respect. However, as they tend to be misinterpreted, it is best to explain what our intention is before making the famous “criticism”.

This will avoid misunderstandings and the person we talk to will be in a better position to receive our criticism. 

What’s the difference with destructive reviews? The two attitudes are totally different. Negative criticism is one which does not bring us anything good but which aims to make us uncomfortable, to hurt etc.

It is obvious that we do not do it on purpose, but they are really unbearable. And the worst is when the destructive criticisms are repeated over and over again.

The former tend to express themselves in an argument or during a problem. The second in any everyday situation and in order to avoid problems in the future. Destructive criticism attacks … constructive criticism helps.

How to make constructive criticism?

Often times we want to help someone and things don’t go the way we expected. This could be due to a misunderstanding or a discussion going in circles. Constructive criticism is based on three sentences:

• Start with a positive point.
• Express the criticism simply and without hurting the egos.
• End with an optimistic opinion to encourage change.

When we receive constructive criticism, we should feel flattered and we should not get upset. To be lucky enough to have someone doing this for us must be inspiring and motivating.

According to a Psychology Today article, there is a way, called a “sandwich,” to do this type of criticism. Sometimes they can be difficult to bring but the effort is worth it! Here are the steps to follow:

Talk about the subject objectively

It is good not to use words or phrases like: “you didn’t do that”, “you miss…”, “you should…” etc. The idea is not to attack the other but to improve the situation. So, do without personal criticism and go for a general opinion.

For example, instead of saying “you don’t explain well to customers”, it is better to say “customers don’t get what they expect”.

Talk about positive things

It’s easier to start a conversation with someone if you flatter them first. This is one of the basic rules of marketing or politics. It is a challenge to say the positive things first before the negative things.

Praise him for his strength and skills first and encourage him to keep it up. Then, when it is the time for the “bad news”, the interlocutor will not feel so bad or cornered.

Give examples of reviews

It’s not just about saying what he’s doing wrong or how he could improve. It is also interesting to add clues, examples etc.

Sometimes we don’t know everything about the subject, but we can cite the direct consequences of a particular task : “I have noticed that every time customers understand the benefits of this product, they buy it” to illustrate what we said at the beginning.

Get on the same level

How would you feel or think if the other person told you what you are saying? If it’s hard to hear, find a better way to bring the topic to the table.

One should never speak from the height of one’s position of superiority or of greater intelligence. Always equal to equal, to demonstrate that we want to help. You can use a similar situation that happened to you and explain how you got out of it.

“When the customers weren’t buying the products, I would tell them a little more about it”.

Reaffirm confidence

Telling the other that you believe in them and that you think they can improve and change is very positive. This is one of the best ways to constructively criticize and provoke what is expected in the other.

Tell him that you trust his abilities and skills, and assure him that things will improve.

What if someone gives me constructive criticism?

Obviously others can (and should) do it too. The benefits of positive reviews are many. Here are a few :

Show off more

Knowing how to accept that we are wrong is the first step in improving and changing. But it also shows how much we are responsible for ourselves and how we can trust our qualities.

If we are told that we are doing something wrong, it is because we want us to be better people.

Control your pride during criticism

It is not easy to accept your mistakes. So, if we have the capacity to give as much as to receive criticism, it is because our desire to improve ourselves has exceeded pride.

Avoid conflicts

Learning to deal with constructive criticism from others helps solve internal, external and social problems. Putting yourself in the other’s shoes is really very productive.