Giving Constructive Criticism The Right Way

No matter how organized or efficient you are when working solo, it’s important that you also be able to cooperate, collaborate, and work with a team. Depending on the client, public relations work can often call for having all hands on deck. When this happens, it’s important that members of a team not only be there to support each other, but also help one another grow and perfect their skills and specialties. There is no better way to do this than by giving constructive criticism. When you decide to give constructive feedback to your coworkers, it’s important that you keep these points in mind so that the advice can be received the way you intend it to.

Get to the point: Don’t add a bunch of meaningless fluff to your critique. The purpose of constructive criticism is to point out what needs to be improved on. Make the necessary points, include suggestions, and move on.

Be Helpful: Don’t just provide a checklist of changes and errors. Always include possible suggestions so that the recipient knows how they can move forward in a more positive direction.

Perception is everything: Constructive criticism is often seen as negative because the comments were perceived to be negative. Be aware of your tone and approach. Don’t come off too strong, or seeming to have all of the answers. Your goal is to help - keep that in mind before you make your comments.

Take as well as you give: Once you feel you are able to effectively give constructive criticism, prepare for the tables to be reversed. Don’t take offense when someone turns the tables and gives you tips to improve upon your own skills. Process the comments given to you, and apply them when possible.

How do you feel is the best way to give constructive criticism? Let us know!

Confronting Criticism

Speaking from experience, I have a hard time adhering to constructive criticism sometimes. Being a perfectionist, not to mention stubborn, it's hard to admit when I am wrong. Part of being a good leader is realizing your mistakes and taking as much as you can from constructive criticism to better yourself in the future. Below are some pointers to help you effectively take constructive criticism:

Listen
This one is my biggest challenge but the most important one. Stop making excuses or defending yourself, it doesn't matter. The whole purpose of constructive criticism is to learn from it. Even if you are feeling a little affronted, try to swallow your pride a little and remain respectful at all times.

Respond
It's okay to disagree, just as long as you do so in a professional way. If you genuinely feel that you were misjudged, responding neutrally like, "Thanks so much for the tips. I wasn't aware that I was coming across that way. From my perspective..." That way, you will be able to see another side of the issue.

Write it down
Reflect on the critiques that you receive, i.e. what you disagreed with, agreed with, what you want to take away from it to improve upon in the future, and so forth. Just be sure to keep it private, it may be detrimental for your disagreements to go viral.

While it is important to keep these tips in mind, make sure you don't take everything too seriously. Part of being an individual is taking as much as you can from what you are given and spinning it your way.

What do you think? Do you take criticism well? If so, how do you take away from it? Let us know!