Page 270 - Keys To Community College Success

Know How to Give and Take Criticism

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM Criticism can be either constructive or unconstructive. Constructive criticism is a prac-
Criticism that promotes
tical problem-solving strategy involving goodwill suggestions for improving a situation.
improvement or development. In contrast, unconstructive criticism focuses on what went wrong, doesn’t offer alterna-
tives to help solve the problem, and is often delivered negatively, creating bad feelings.
Constructive criticism can help bring about important changes. Consider someone
who is continually late for study group sessions. Which comment from the group leader
would encourage a change in behavior?
■ Constructive. The group leader talks privately with the student: “I’ve noticed
you’ve been late a lot. We count on you to contribute. Is there a problem that is
keeping you from being on time? Can we help?”
■ Unconstructive. The leader watches the student arrive late and says, in front of every-
one, “If you can’t start getting here on time, there’s really no point in your coming.”

At school, instructors criticize classwork, papers, and exams. On the job, criticism
may come from supervisors, coworkers, or customers. No matter the source, construc-
tive comments can help you grow. Be open to what you hear, and remember that most
people want you to succeed.

Offering constructive criticism. Use the following strategies to be effective:
■ Criticize the behavior, not the person. Avoid personal attacks. “You’ve been late to
five group meetings” is preferable to “You’re lazy.”
■ Define the specific problem. Try to focus on the facts, backing them up with specific
examples and minimizing emotions.
■ Suggest new approaches and offer help. Talk about practical ways to handle the
situation. Generate creative options. Help the person feel supported.
■ Use a positive approach and hopeful language. Express your belief that the person
can turn the situation around.

Receiving criticism. Being open to criticism is a challenging risk, but the potential
rewards of positive change make it worth the discomfort. When receiving criticism:
■ Analyze the comments. Listen carefully and then evaluate what you heard. What
does it mean? What is the intent? Try to let unconstructive comments go without
responding.
■ Ask for suggestions on how to change your behavior. Be open to what others say.
■ Summarize the criticism and your response. The goal is for all to understand the
situation.
■ Use a specific strategy. Use problem-solving skills to analyze the problem, brainstorm
ways to change, choose a strategy, and take practical action to make it happen.
Criticism, as well as other thoughts and feelings, may be communicated nonverbally.
You will become a more effective communicator if you understand body language.

Understand Body Language
Body language has an extraordinary capacity to express people’s real feelings through
gestures, eye movements, facial expressions, body positioning and posture, touching
behaviors, vocal tone, and use of personal space. Why is it important to know how to
analyze body language?
■ Nonverbal cues shade meaning. What you say can mean different things depend-
ing on body positioning or vocal tone. The statement “That’s a great idea” sounds
9 positive. However, said while sitting with your arms and legs crossed and looking
CHAPTER 232 away, it may communicate that you dislike the idea. Said sarcastically, the tone
may reveal that you consider the idea a joke.