How To Give And Take Constructive Criticism (Definition, Tips, And Examples)

Constructive criticism can be hard to swallow and terrifying to give, but it’s important for building healthy relationships and organizations.

In this article, we’ll talk about how to give and receive constructive criticism in an effective way. We’ll also share what constructive criticism is and examples of it in the workplace.

Key Takeaways

• Giving good constructive criticism requires empathy, positivity, and forethought.

• Receiving constructive criticism well requires staying calm, remembering that it’s intended to help you, and graciously listening to and thanking the speaker.

• Constructive criticism always includes a clear way to improve or fix the problem.

How to Give Constructive Criticism

If the idea of giving constructive criticism feels like a nerve-racking minefield, consider these tips to improve the outcome of how your advice is received:

1. Utilize the sandwich method. This method focuses on providing constructive criticism between specific positive and praising statements. When this strategy is implemented, evaluating a co-worker or employee is more balanced because you can discuss what they’ve done well before moving to the aspects of their performance that need improvement.

   Then, to complete the sandwich, the critique is concluded with another specific praise.

   With that in mind, the sandwich strategy can be an effective way to deliver actionable feedback to your co-workers or employees. To initiate the method, consider approaching the person you want to talk to privately. Next, open your conversation with praise about a specific success or comment about their work ethic.

   Starting the conversation on a positive note will make it easier to offer productive advice and plans for improvement.

   Example:

   “I appreciate how quickly you respond to register assistance calls and how efficiently you cash out customers. However, I think we could really use your focus in other areas of the store as well. You’re at the register frequently, and it’d be very helpful if you could do your restroom check-up on time. Overall though, thank you for exceptional customer service skills.”

2. “I” language strategy. Unlike writing high school essays, using “I” in your sentences can be a good strategy when giving constructive criticism.

   When you use phrases like “I think,” “I feel,” and “I’d suggest,” it not only personalizes your statements but also shows that you’re focusing on a behavior, rather than targeting someone as a person. Further, using “I” reinforces your point of view, letting the other person know how you see the situation.

   Using “I” statements to deliver constructive criticism significantly reduces the chances of miscommunication. Remember that you are the one delivering the critique, so it’s important that you own your statements and personalize your concerns.

   Example:

   “I loved your blueprint for the new city bridge; however, I felt like the blueprint would be clearer if it outlined a more specific rubric.”

3. Pinpoint the action or behavior. Remember that when you’re giving constructive criticism, it is essential that you focus on the specific action or behavior that you would like to see improve. Don’t go off-topic or be too vague.

   When you’re focusing on a specific improvement you want to see, try using non-specific language such as “the numbers,” “the performance,” or “the project” rather than “your numbers,” “your performance,” and “your project.” Even though it’s crucial for co-workers and employees to accept accountability, driving in that they specifically are doing something wrong may hamper their performance rather than improve it.

   Example:

   “The oven tray was cleaned relatively well; however, it could have been scrubbed longer in the sink.”

4. Remember to include positive praise. As mentioned previously, you should temper your constructive criticism by offering praise of the person’s productivity, performance, or abilities. This allows them to be aware of the tasks and responsibilities that they perform satisfactorily or above standards, which will make them more open to criticism.

   Ideally, they can then apply those strengths toward improving the areas you’re critiquing.

   Example:

   “The presentation was exceptionally insightful and well made. Although, as a note, I felt like it could have been more effective if you utilized your skills in Photoshop. The presentation could have benefited from more detailed graphic designs and layouts.”

5. Provide actionable feedback. Your criticism won’t be constructive if you don’t offer actionable feedback that the person in question can use to improve. Make sure you provide this feedback and consider discussing strategies that both you and the person can use to work toward improvement.

   For instance, if so-and-so is struggling to complete their portion of a project, you could create a daily checklist or spreadsheet to outline urgent tasks. This is an actionable improvement that will hold them accountable for moving through their task lists and making sure expectations are met.

   Example:

   “Although our project is moving forward, you seem to be falling behind and struggling with your tasks. Therefore, I suggest we create a daily checklist to help outline the most urgent tasks.”

How to Take Constructive Criticism

Receiving constructive criticism can be even more difficult than dishing it out, so here are some tips on how to have a positive reaction:

1. Stop your initial reaction. If you’re receiving criticism and feel an adverse reaction coming on, you should stop and calm yourself. Do your best to avoid reacting altogether. Tempering your response will prevent dismissive facial expressions or reactive quips that will have a negative impact on the conversation going forward.

2. Remember the benefits of constructive criticism. Remember that constructive criticism is meant to help you improve your skills, productivity, and relationships. Remember that accurate and constructive feedback can give you insights you would never have realized otherwise.

3. Listen and understand. When you’re in the middle of receiving constructive criticism, listen closely. Resist the urge to defend yourself, and instead allow the person to share their complete thoughts without interruption.

   When they’re done, relay that you understood them by repeating back what you heard. For example, “I hear you saying that you want me to be more welcoming to customers, is that right?”

4. Say thank you. Saying thank you is a crucial part of being polite. Regardless of your feelings toward the person giving you feedback, you should look them in the eyes and thank them for sharing their constructive criticism with you.

   Don’t be childish with your words either – be deliberate, and say, “I really appreciate you taking the time to talk about this with me.” This serves as a way of acknowledging the effort your colleague took to evaluate you and share his or her thoughts.

5. Deconstruct the feedback by asking questions. To receive more clarity and understand everyone’s perspectives, you should ask follow-up questions. Avoid engaging in a debate; instead, ask questions that will provide more details on how you can improve.

   For example, you can seek specific examples to help you understand the issue, try to understand whether this is an isolated issue, or look for more concrete solutions to address the feedback.

6. Professionally close the conversation or request time to follow up. After you’ve asked any questions you want to ask, and you feel as though the conversation is coming to a close, you should make a plan going forward. Then, once you articulate that plan and thank the person again for the feedback, you should end the conversation and move on.

   That said, if the issue is going to take some time to address, or this was something presented by your boss, you may want to ask for a follow-up meeting. A follow-up meeting can give you time to process the feedback, seek advice from others, think about solutions, and provide you with a future time to ask more questions and get clarity on your next steps.

What Is Constructive Criticism?

By definition, constructive criticism should be fundamentally different than just criticism, as it’s meant to be positive and productive, rather than negative or hostile. When delivered and received correctly, it’s helpful to provide feedback that suggests specific, actionable recommendations.

In this way, constructive criticism is particularly helpful because you can put forward specific ways to make positive improvements instead of providing general advice. Constructive criticism can address anything from life skills, critical thinking, interpersonal abilities, leadership skills to any other skills employers look for. Ideally, it should be clear, to the point, and easy to put into action.

In the workplace, constructive criticism is often a normal part of communicating with co-workers and can help employees set and achieve their work goals. It can also create a positive atmosphere where co-workers are comfortable asking questions, requesting assistance, and offering their own insights.

Given that, companies often consider constructive criticism an improvement strategy for employees, and you shouldn’t be caught off guard by giving or receiving it.

Ultimately, constructive criticism can provide ways for us to better understand ourselves and improve in the workplace and many other aspects of our lives.

Constructive vs. Destructive Criticism

Not all criticism is constructive, and it’s important to know the difference between constructive and destructive criticism.

Constructive criticism always includes:

• Clear, actionable ways to fix a problem or improve a behavior.

• Positive observations about the person’s behavior along with the negative ones.

• Taking the time to word the criticism empathetically and without anger.

• An open door to further conversation or question-asking.

On the other hand, destructive criticism involves:

• Lashing out in the moment.

• No suggestion or support for improvement.

• No encouragement or positive observations.

While constructive criticism isn’t always without conflict, at the end of the day it serves to strengthen relationships, help the recipient grow, and improve the organization.

Destructive criticism, on the other hand, discourages and frustrates the recipient, damages relationships, and lowers morale.

Empathy and Constructive Criticism

One of the biggest factors to keep in mind on giving effective feedback and receiving feedback positively is empathy. When we approach things from a growth mindset and try to understand where the other person is coming from, it’s a win-win for both parties.

With that in mind, try to hold onto these nuances of constructive criticism:

• Consider how you’d feel before giving feedback. This is an easy test to run through before you provide specific feedback on a subject. If it helps, write out exactly how you’d phrase your constructive criticism, and then read it back to consider how you’d feel hearing it.

  One of the reasons that we react defensively when someone offers feedback is that we feel our value is under attack. When providing constructive criticism, it’s essential to make sure that the person you’re talking to understands that you do value their work and contributions, even if you’re suggesting improvements regarding one specific behavior or task.

• Remember that you might be wrong. This goes for both the giver and receiver of constructive criticism, but let’s focus on the giver first. The whole point of using “I” statements is to personalize your feedback — but personal feedback is really just a set of opinions, even if those opinions are based on some tangible facts.

  We’re not saying “you might be wrong, so don’t bother offering feedback,” though. Our suggestion is to approach the conversation as a dialogue, from a place of curiosity rather than judgment. When you come into the conversation with an open mind, the person you’re trying to provide feedback to will have an easier time keeping an open mind as well.

  Try to understand the other person’s motivations for behaving how they do or getting things done in a certain way, and you might come away learning something rather than simply administering advice.

• Don’t give criticism when you feel threatened. Oftentimes, we rush to judge others when we feel that our own sense of worth is under attack.

  For example, a department that’s failed to meet its quarterly goals might see factions pop up that lay blame at the feet of other factions. Or a parent could perceive their child’s mistakes as their own failure, and rush to criticize as a way of resolving their own self-doubt.

  It’s not easy, but try to be mindful of why you feel the need to provide constructive criticism in the first place. If it’s part of an effort to create a more inclusive and positive work environment, then you can go ahead with a clear conscience.

  But if you’re motivated by a desire to pass judgment or obfuscate your perceived shortcomings, then you’re probably better off with some self-reflection.

Examples of Constructive Criticism

1. Constructive Criticism for a Performance Review

   In the past, I’ve picked up on how you like to step up and lead projects. But lately, it seems like you’re content to let others take control. I’m wondering if there’s something about the nature of the projects we’ve been working on lately that doesn’t interest you as much or if there’s an issue with team dynamics that I’m not seeing. Everyone really appreciates it when you lead, especially with internal software projects that you know better than anyone.

2. Constructive Criticism for a Coworker

   I think that presentation went really well — you opened strong and had some really compelling arguments. As a note, I noticed that the middle part of your presentation went on for a bit long and, while the data was interesting, I feel it could be included in the documentation at the end for the clients to look over at their leisure. I think that could help get it down to under 10 minutes too without hurting your pacing, which would leave more time for Ray to deliver his pitch.

3. Constructive Criticism for Your Boss

   I really appreciate that you trust me with these sorts of tasks, but it would help me if you could provide a few hours or ideally a full days’ notice. It can throw a spanner in the works of my other ongoing projects, and it’s hard to budget my time efficiently when I don’t have a clear idea of what my tasks for the day will be. If you’d like, we could meet once a week to lay out these tasks comprehensively.

Final Thoughts

Learning the most professional ways to deliver and receive constructive criticism is important because often, it is the only way we learn about our weaknesses. If we get defensive or try to play the blame game, we run the risk of missing out on valuable insight. Remember, feedback’s not easy to give, and it’s certainly not easy to receive, but it helps everyone grow.

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.