Words are compelling; hence, it is important to know how to use them to uplift people. This is why when in a position to criticize or evaluate people’s projects, you must be constructive. It is common to associate the word criticism with managers and employers.
Many people have no business giving criticism, but that is the furthest thing from the Truth. Criticizing is giving feedback; everyone must know how to give feedback and criticism.
Knowing the right way to give criticism will help you become of significant influence on the people around you. Your words won’t be ignored because you have successfully communicated ideas and advice that make people better versions of themselves.
Constructive criticism is providing feedback that focuses on improving and advancing an individual or project. The main factor in constructive criticism is the critic’s intention; the critic is not criticizing to tear down but to give feedback to help and improve the receiver. Constructive feedback doesn’t just complain. It also includes corrective advice for improvement.
Here are four ways to give constructive criticism and help a person improve.
Focus on the situation
When giving criticism, always focus on the situation and not the person or your relationship with the person. Criticism is not based on personal feelings or emotions.
When giving criticism, focus on the situation, the errors, and the corrections. When you focus on the situation, you can decide what needs to be changed or avoided.
Be Specific
When offering feedback, it is vital to be specific. When giving feedback, be precise and clear about what needs improvement. Instead of saying this
“The report you submitted is a total mess, full of errors. You need to improve on it.”
Say instead
” The report you submitted needs more work. You need to work on the spacing, the highlight words were in the wrong color, and you didn’t properly edit and proofread your work.”
This would help the receiver to be better and know what is needed to be done better and improved upon.
Use the feedback sandwich.
The feedback sandwich is a well-tested technique that makes people more receptive to feedback. This technique can be used by every professional in a different capacity. It involves placing negative feedback in between two positive comments. This is to help the receiver improve on their work also.
Find the right time
Giving constructive feedback is all about timing. Telling a person that their shade of makeup is horrible at an event is an example of bad timing. They cannot fit it or work on it at that time.
Giving a review at that time would only sadden the person. Timing is critical in providing feedback. Ensure the feedback is given when the person is receptive to it.
When giving feedback, maintain friendly body language and ensure your language is positive. Remember that your feedback can help the receiver if presented correctly.
Always remember that fruitful criticism consists of 3 primary ingredients – the right intention, words, and timing.
