"Four Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Constructive Criticism."

Discuss.

#4. It's Only Constructive if You Include Something Positive

For me, I think the article is right. One does not need constant pampering. But, people want to be criticized by people who respect them. At least, I do. If somebody respects me and my abilities, and they take the time to offer advice... I am much more likely to listen to them than if the person thinks I'm a dolt and doesn't pay me any respect whether or not I deserve it. Humans are selfish. And, we don't HAVE to improve. We just have to survive. Anything else, and you're playing with the ego.

#3. Only People Who Can Do the Same Thing As You Can Criticize You

This is an interesting point. In a way, there are two parts to every task: process and result. Only people who can do the same thing as you can criticize the process because they have an intimate knowledge of what goes into that process. On the other hand, people receiving the result should be able to criticize what they receive. Just like a music lover can criticize a song based on what they like, but they can't criticize the process of creating the piece unless they themself understands how to create a song. That's only logical.

If they are even acquainted with the process of songwriting, then they can criticize to their level of understanding.

#2. Negative Feedback Is Only About Shutting Things Down

All this is saying is that presentation has no bearing on the substance. That's true, in theory, but we are fragile creatures. Just because you don't have to be nice doesn't mean you shouldn't be. There must be a logical reason for somebody to be intentionally rude during criticism. Most likely, the problem lies in the insecurities of the critisizer. But, that's moot for this discussion. One can give negative feedback for a good reason. Say somebody is full of themself, and they are mean to others. Only speaking this person's language could get them to calm down. There are lots of situations, but being rude as a default probably has more to do with the person giving the criticism.

#1. Criticizing Puts You Above Someone

This is bull. And, everybody who thinks this way KNOWS it's bull. They're just insecure. Get over it, and realize that even people who haven't achieved as much as you can criticize you.

Constructive criticism is only going to be useful if it is presented/declared constructively.

Interesting article.

Constructive criticism doesn't necessarily have to be positive, it has to be useful. That's the real difference between constructive and unconstructive criticism: it should help you *construct* something. If someone tells me my writing is bad, that is supremely unhelpful, and probably hurtful, even if they are correct. If they say 'what you did here doesn't make sense to the reader' or 'this construction is convoluted and makes your point confusing', that is helpful. Being specific and pointed with criticism, even if you don't have a solution for the person, is much more helpful than 'yeah this is just wrong'. You don't need to fix it yourself or 'pamper' the person as Connor said, but you do need to direct your criticism at the specific issues that need fixing.

Very good point, Kai-An. I'd like to add that this is what we call avoiding value judgment.

Check this out, for anybody interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value_judgment

Constructive criticism looks past the values we hold as people, and objectively attempts to improve upon the situation. What we don't want is people criticizing others based on how the criticiser feels about the other person. That can lead to unconstructive criticism. To take a devil's advocate position, think of it this way: If your mom continually tells you that you're doing great, even when you aren't.. that's unhelpful criticism. It does nothing but provide confirmation bias and also shows that her perspective is compromised due to her value judgment of her relationship to you. She's the mom... she can't be trusted if she won't remove the emotional bias.

How does one differentiate between constructive criticism and just criticism?

rugadd wrote: How does one differentiate between constructive criticism and just criticism?

For me it comes down to tone and word choice. Since we aren't actually talking when we're on the forum then we're pretty much down to word choice. That and being willing to be questioned about our criticism.

An obvious but still needed example:

Criticism: "That is a stupid word and you shouldn't have used it."

Constructive criticism: "I was slightly confused by the use of [blank]. Perhaps [blank] would have been clearer."

For me it comes down to tone and word choice.

Common misconception. Constructive criticism is only half delivery. It has to do with the content too. Are you trying to be constructive? 'serving a useful purpose; tending to build up.'

Connor L. wrote:

For me it comes down to tone and word choice.

Common misconception. Constructive criticism is only half delivery. It has to do with the content too. Are you trying to be constructive? 'serving a useful purpose; tending to build up.'

Truth. I specifically like the "tending to build up" portion. Thanks for the addition.

Don't thank me, thank google! I wouldn't have necessarily put "building up", but there is a pleasant sentiment to it. :woohoo: