Constructive and destructive criticism. Destructive criticism

CRITICISM- a project to create a better future, and not a condemnation of the present and past, depriving people of power over their present and future.

Constructive criticism- this is a specific proposal for improving what is already there with a clear description of the shortcomings of the criticized subject and their possible corrections. In constructive criticism, the assessment of noticed actions does not hurt the addressee's pride, it motivates him to correct it.

Destructive criticism are destructive actions. The essence of destructive criticism lies in the demonstration by the critic of his superiority, perhaps his power over the one to whom his criticism is directed.

Criticism manifests itself in different ways depending on different circumstances. Let's consider how criticism manifests itself on the example of a good, in general, worker Ivanov, who suddenly made a mistake in his report that led to an incorrect result. So, the boss's criticism of him may be as follows:

constructive in form and content. —There is a mistake in your report, you will have to redo everything.

Constructive in content, but destructive in form. Ivanov, you are an inattentive loafer.—made a mistake in their report. Redo everything!

Constructive in form, but destructive in content. Ivanov, please be more careful.—are often wrong. Everything will have to be redone.

Destructive both in form and content. Ivanov, you are a slacker—constantly making mistakes. Redo everything!

This example shows that there can be both benefit and harm from criticism, so it is very important to take these facts into account. It is possible to criticize justifiably, but it is important how it is done, whether the feelings of another person are offended or vice versa, they are given support and knowledge on how to become better.

The conclusion suggests itself: listening to constructive criticism in time, taking action and getting rid of the identified shortcomings will help to avoid unpleasant and unproductive destructive criticism in the future!

Swearing at the OPPONENT, a dispute over his PERSONAL qualities is rubbish in science; grains of OBJECTIVE truth are lost in it.
“Depressurization” ch.5, §8 “Trotskyism-“Leninism” takes “power””, p.76

On the perception of destructive criticism:
In almost every opinion, whether subjective in content, averting personal offense, or cynically offensive in form, there is something meaningful from objective truth; it is possible that this is a new KNOWLEDGE or the keys to it. They should not be lost just because the form of their presentation does not suit the opponent with whom the dispute is being fought for SUBJECTIVE reasons.
“Depressurization” ch.5, §8 “Trotskyism-“Leninism” takes “power””, p.81

... let us turn to the question of criticism that is really useful and criticism that is imaginary - always destructive.
Let's start with a well-known opinion: "The 'bazaar' needs to be filtered." If you do this, then you get criticism and self-criticism in the following sense: criticism is a project for creating the future. If the “bazaar” is not filtered, but called “criticism”, then permissiveness in swearing, fabrications, conjectures and gossip will spread discord and will not allow people to unite in any business that requires collective labor.

An. note “On the tasks for the future of the Conceptual Party “Unification” and non-party adherents of the Concept of Public Security”

Today we will talk about what is constructive and destructive criticism what should be attitude towards criticism, how to respond to criticism. Any person engaged in some business, or even just openly expressing his opinion, his position on some issue, will certainly be subject to criticism to one degree or another. Moreover, the more his path or his position differs from what the majority does or thinks, the more criticism he will hear in his address.

What to do in this case, how to respond to criticism? All this in today's article.

To begin with, a lot really depends on a person's attitude to criticism. For some people, criticism acts as an incentive for moving forward, for others, on the contrary, it is a destabilizing factor. The attitude towards criticism can greatly affect relationships with other people, and not only with strangers, but also with loved ones. And finally, there are many examples when a person suffered serious setbacks just because they did not want to respond to criticism. And, on the contrary, when people refused promising and successful projects because they were criticized.

Reaction to criticism- a very important quality for any person, no matter what he does. Attitude to criticism can lead to serious, both for the better and for the worse.

To figure out how to respond to criticism correctly, you first need to determine what type of criticism it belongs to.

Types of criticism. Constructive and destructive criticism.

So, let's look at the main types of criticism. There are only two of them.

1. Constructive criticism is an expression of one's opinion for the purpose of providing assistance. In this case, the critic evaluates your actions or your position, wanting to help you, to bring some benefit. Constructive criticism can be expressed in the form of an objective analysis or in the form of some advice, recommendations for improvement.

Consider the main signs by which you can determine that this is exactly constructive criticism:

– Objectivity. Expressing his opinion, the critic does not claim to be absolute truth, he emphasizes that this is his personal position, his opinion;

– Concreteness. The critic points to specific details or points that he questions, while not saying that absolutely everything is bad;

– Argumentation. A person who criticizes gives specific arguments, substantiates his position, shows what his criticism is based on;

– Examples from life. Criticizing, a person gives specific examples from his personal or someone else's life, which confirm the course of his thoughts;

– Business knowledge. The critic himself is well versed in the issues that he criticizes (for example, he has a specialized education, experience, personal achievements);

– No transition to personality. A person criticizes, showing respect, does not get personal, criticizes not the opponent himself, but his actions or beliefs;

– Pointing out the positives. The critic points out not only the shortcomings, but also the advantages of your work or your position.

Constructive criticism allows you to see your shortcomings from the outside and correct them. With the right attitude, it can bring considerable benefits in any business.

2. Destructive criticism- this is an expression of one's negative opinion aimlessly, or for selfish purposes. In this case, the critic does not at all want to help the one whom he criticizes, he does it with some low goals or without them at all.

Let's highlight the main reasons for destructive criticism:

– manipulative influence. The critic thus influences the opponent in order to incline him to some action that is beneficial to him;

– Envy. A person can simply envy another person, and from this try to look for shortcomings in him and openly point to them;

– Feeling of self-importance. There are people who criticize for the sake of the process itself and getting moral satisfaction from this. This is also destructive criticism in its purest form;

– Non-standard thoughts, the path of development. If a person stands out from the crowd, thinks and acts differently from the majority, then there will be many who want to criticize him just because he is not like them. Such criticism is also not constructive.

Now consider the main signs indicating that this is precisely destructive criticism. Basically, this is everything that is opposite to constructive:

– Bias. The critic clearly demonstrates that everything he says is the unconditional, 100% truth, which cannot even be questioned;

– Lack of specifics. Simply everything is criticized, general, vague formulations are used: “everything is bad”, “everything is terrible”, “this is wrong”, “this is futile”, “well, who does that”, etc.;

– Clinging to trifles. The critic actively criticizes the most insignificant aspects that do not have much influence on the overall process or position;

– irrelevance. A person constantly and actively imposes his criticism, on his own initiative, when no one asks him about it, and even makes it clear that his opinion is not interesting;

– Transition to personality. The critic expresses his opinion not about actions and judgments, but about the person himself, and all this in a disrespectful manner.

Destructive criticism does not bring any benefit, but only harm. Its main goal is to unbalance a person, to force him to abandon his deeds or thoughts in favor of criticism.

Now that you know what constructive and destructive criticism is, let's look at how to respond to criticism.

How to respond to criticism?

First of all, I want to make a very important point:

If you do not know how to respond to criticism correctly, if you gladly accept praise, and perceive any negative assessment “with hostility”, it will be difficult for you in anything. In this case, criticism will hinder you in all your endeavors, spoil your relationships with other people, and make you an angry and irritable person. It is necessary to use constructive criticism for your own good, and draw conclusions from destructive criticism. You will be subject to criticism in any case, even if you do everything perfectly. It will not be possible to avoid it, therefore the main thing is to form a competent attitude towards criticism, to know and understand how to respond to criticism in a given situation.

The reaction to criticism in a literate person should begin with determining the type of criticism, that is, whether it is constructive or destructive. By what signs this can be determined is described above. So, consider how to respond to criticism.

1. Do not lose self-esteem and faith in yourself. Even constructive criticism should in no case be a reason for underestimating one's own self-esteem and loss of self-confidence.

2. Separate emotions from helpful tips and advice. Often, both constructive and destructive criticism can be emotional to some extent. However, really useful remarks, tips and recommendations can be “hidden” between emotions. When listening to criticism, immediately separate all emotions, let them pass by your ears. But on constructive comments, advice and recommendations - on the contrary, focus your attention.

3. Don't respond to criticism right away. Reaction to criticism should be deliberate. Often a person who is criticized, especially if they criticize emotionally and destructively, also falls under the power of emotions, responds in the same vein, criticism develops into a quarrel, relationships deteriorate. Who benefits from this? Nobody. Therefore, it is better to silently listen to criticism, and if it requires a response, take a pause for reflection.

4. Use constructive criticism as a help. Since constructive criticism is intended to help, take advantage of it, use it to your advantage. That is, analyze and draw conclusions.

5. It is impossible not to react to criticism at all. Even if this is destructive criticism, you need to understand what caused it, perhaps some significant threat looms over you, and this is just the beginning?

6. Don't take criticism to heart. At the same time, when thinking about how to respond to criticism, try to discard all emotions. The fewer of them, the more you can accept.

7. More important is not the motives of the critic, but the essence of the criticism. It often happens that a person who is criticized, first of all, tries to understand why he aroused such interest, what relation the critic has to him, what he wants to achieve. But the essence of the identified shortcomings is much more important, especially if it is constructive criticism.

8. If different people criticize the same thing, this is a reason to think. It's one thing when one person sees a certain flaw, his opinion can be subjective, but when different people talk about it, you should think about it.

And finally, a very important rule:

A smart and competent person engaged in self-development, striving for success and self-improvement, must be able to identify not only explicit, but also hidden criticism, and respond promptly to it.

For example, a subordinate will not openly criticize his boss. However, according to some of his actions or words, a competent boss himself should notice criticism, and if it is constructive, then respond to it.

I will end with this. Now you know what constructive and destructive criticism are, how to determine the type of criticism and how to respond to criticism in both cases. I hope that this information will be useful to you, and you will begin to apply it in practice.

I wish you success in all your endeavors! See you at!

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Is criticism constructive?“Can I criticize you constructively?” These are the six scariest words you can ever hear in your life. Partly because each of us has a different idea of ​​constructiveness, and partly because no matter how benevolent criticism is, very few people are able to deliver it well.

And also because some people use it as a convenient excuse to, pretending to be cute, lower your status by a notch or two.

For one reason or another, criticism usually looks much more constructive from the point of view of the critic than from the point of view of the criticized.

So is the expression " constructive criticism» self-contradictory?

I'll put my cards on the table: I believe that criticism can be constructive. In fact, it is necessary if you want to become outstanding. However, since criticism means many different things, I will start by explaining what I understand by its different types:

Constructive criticism

This is when someone has a certain opinion about your work or results, and he expresses it in a way that is beneficial. Criticism can take the form of useful advice (you are told what to do) or just a thoughtful assessment (what to do next, in this case you decide).

Constructive criticism can be both positive and negative (the critic may or may not like your work), and contain both praise and recommendations for improvement.

Here some constructive criticism:

• Objectivity The critic clarifies his point of view without claiming to be omniscient.
• concreteness- detailed enough to understand what exactly the critic is talking about and what evaluation criteria he uses.
• Availability of examples The critic backs up his statements with concrete examples.
• Relevant to the case- The critic focuses on the essential aspects of your work.
• Takes into account the nuances- the critic recognizes that the result can be measured in smaller units and there may be alternative ways of evaluating.
• Respect- The critic does not get personal, does not hint that you are a bad performer, and implies that you are able to make the necessary improvements.

Inspiring constructive criticism or not - you decide. Of course, if someone praises you, you will most likely feel energized. But even if the critic exposes many mistakes and shortcomings, I would advise you not to lose heart, even if you are not in seventh heaven with happiness.

If criticism is truly constructive, it provides an opportunity to correct mistakes and improve. I can think of several occasions when a critic respectfully but mercilessly "teared my work to shreds," but when I left the room, I was itching to move towards the vistas before me.

One of your career goals should be to find good sources of constructive criticism. Like feedback, it gives you an edge, especially over those who are too selfish to take any notice.

Destructive criticism

This is when someone has a certain opinion, but he either does not know how to express it correctly, or does not understand what he is talking about, or both at once.

I call such criticism destructive because of its effect: if you are not careful, it can seriously damage your motivation, creativity, and ability to learn. An equally precise definition would be "incompetent criticism": it speaks more about the faults of the criticizer, rather than the criticized. If criticism is an art, an incompetent critic is an artist who can barely draw a stickman.

Here typical features of destructive criticism:

• Bias- the critic speaks as if he is the bearer of the ultimate truth, and not a person who tends to err.
• Nebula- the work is rejected with vague wordings (“terrible”, “bad”, “no good”), without specifying on what criteria the judgment is based.
• unsubstantiated- the critic does not illustrate his conclusions with concrete examples.
• Not relevant- The critic introduces inappropriate criteria or focuses on non-essential aspects of the work.
• sweeping- general black-and-white judgments, non-recognition of the gradation of quality and alternative points of view.
• Contempt- the critic is rude, aggressive or does not show respect for the feelings of the performer.

If an incompetent critic is a reviewer, a critic in the audience, or an Internet troll, he can be ignored. However, if it's a boss or a client, you have a problem. Chapter 37 describes what to do then.

(Brian Tracy, Maximizing, book excerpt)

Destructive criticism is one of the most dangerous lines of behavior. It reduces self-esteem, impoverishes a person's own image, and undermines the effectiveness of the business in which a person is engaged. Destructive criticism shakes a person's self-confidence, he begins to engage in self-deprecation, comes into a tense state and constantly makes mistakes in the very area in which he was criticized. He may completely refuse to repeat attempts and abandon this lesson.

For every instance of the average parent being praised, there are eight criticisms of their own children. Parents do not hesitate to criticize children in an attempt to get them to correct their own behavior. But the opposite is happening. Due to the fact that destructive criticism undermines the child's self-esteem and undermines his self-concept, efficiency decreases rather than increases. The child does not get better, but worse. Destructive criticism makes a person feel incompetent and inferior. He begins to get angry, defensive, persistent, or even tries to eliminate himself. The results drop to zero. There are all sorts of negative consequences. The relationship between parent and child is especially affected.

Children who are criticized for school grades soon develop negative associations from school activities and their own feelings. They begin to hate it all and avoid it as much as possible. They see school as a source of pain and frustration. By the laws of attraction and conformity, they begin to make friends with children who share the same approach.

People often make the mistake of thinking they are doing "constructive criticism" while tearing the other person apart. They call this criticism constructive, trying to rationally explain their own behavior. True constructive criticism should lead to good feelings, to a sense of being able to do something better. If criticism does not lead to improvements as a result of increased self-esteem and perceptions of the level of one's own effectiveness, then it is nothing more than a destructive act of self-expression undertaken against someone who is not able to fight back.

Destructive criticism is the root of many personality problems and hostile relationships between people. It leaves a trail of broken spirit, demoralization, anger, resentment, self-doubt, and a range of negative emotions.

If you start criticizing children from a very young age, they will soon learn to criticize themselves. They humiliate themselves, underestimate their abilities, negatively interpret their experience. They constantly feel that they are not good enough, no matter how hard they work and how good their results are.

The main purpose of criticism, if necessary, is to achieve improvements. It should lead to higher quality results. Constructive criticism is not based on revenge. It cannot be used as a tool to express dissatisfaction or anger. Her goal is to help as well. don't hurt. Otherwise, it is better to refrain from using it altogether.

The following seven ways will help you provide "constructive feedback" instead of destructive criticism.

First, try your best to protect the dignity of the other person. Consider it as an inflated balloon, and your words as needles. Treat him gently. I always start the correction process with my children with the words: "I love you very much." I then continue talking, providing the feedback and guidance they need to get better.

Second, focus on the future, not the past. Don't cry over spilled milk. Talk about what can be done now. Use words like "Why not next time...".

Third, focus on the behavior or outcome, not the person. Replace the word "you" with a description of the problem.

Don't say, "You're not doing enough." Say something like this: “Your numbers are below what we expected. What can be done to improve them?

Fourth, talk about yourself as the source of your feelings. Instead of saying "You make me angry," say "I get very angry when you do this" or "I'm not happy with the situation and would like to discuss how it can be changed."

Fifth, agree exactly what you are going to change, when and how much. Be specific, look to the future, and look for a solution. Say something like, "For the future, it's very important that you keep accurate records and double-check everything before shipping is complete."

Sixth, offer help. Ask: “How can I help you in this situation?” Be prepared to show the person what to do and how to do it. When you are a parent or leader, one of your key tasks is learning. You shouldn't expect someone to do something before you show them exactly how to do it.

Seventh, proceed from the assumption that the person wants to do a good job, that he did something wrong by mistake, and not intentionally. The problem is only a lack of skills, incomplete information or misunderstanding.

Be calm, patient, encouraging, supportive, speak clearly and constructively, without anger or de-structivism. Try to elevate a person, not tear him apart. There is no faster way to increase your self-esteem and self-esteem than to give up all destructive criticism. You will immediately notice the difference in your relationship.

Any criticism is intended to point out a flaw and correct it with a joint effort with the person who made a mistake in something. Unfortunately, today the concept of so-called constructive criticism is completely absent. If we take modern society into account, then constructive criticism turned into a primitive "trolling".

This is criticism, after which it becomes clear how to fix the mistake and prevent a similar one in the future. But how often do we have to deal with the sober opinion of others about our activities? You can count on your fingers how many times we were criticized in the case and be surprised that in most cases it was unconstructive criticism that discouraged us from working and improving. In order to learn to accept any criticism, it is necessary, first of all, to correctly determine the boundaries of reasonable interference in other people's affairs and the space of the soul.

Exist certain rules of constructive criticism, which must always be taken into account when finding yourself in a certain situation that requires criticism.

To begin with, it is worth finding out how to respond to criticism. Accepting criticism calmly and balanced is a great art. Remember that having criticism is much better than not having it. If you are not criticized, then no one is interested in you. Although, there are times when they are simply afraid to criticize you, after you took a vacation from another not very desirable conversation addressed to you and left to treat depression. This is not possible, because criticism can not only point you to mistakes and correct them, but also suggest new directions for solving the problem. If you are criticized, it means that they believe in your abilities and want you to improve. Thank the person for any criticism. Firstly, it will characterize you as a well-mannered and prudent person. Secondly, you will have the opportunity to calmly find out whether the person has approached your problem constructively and whether he is 100% sure that he is right. If not, you should not say: "I knew it, it's just your subjective assessment." Sometimes a subjective assessment, although not perfect, is able to point out such disadvantages that even people who evaluate objectively would not notice. If you accept criticism, then you accept the responsibility to correct your shortcomings. Take it seriously and look at yourself from the outside.

While you look at yourself from the outside, imagine how you would look in a situation that requires you to criticize. And you have to be very patient and calm. Focus on the behavior of the person criticizing you, and think about what he makes a mistake and what you would not be mistaken about. It's time to remember some rules of constructive criticism.

Never impose your opinion. Know how to listen to the interlocutor and do not interrupt him with your, in your opinion, 100% correct evidence of being right.

Always talk in a friendly tone. Even if the interlocutor is unpleasant to you, you have no right to be biased towards him and sting at the first convenient opportunity.

If you have to criticize a person, start with praise. This always inspires hope that everything is not so bad and everything can be fixed, but you should definitely say: “Today, alas, it didn’t work out.” The person being criticized should receive an equal amount of both praise and unpleasant criticism. This is similar to overlaying a 3 with a 5 to get a 4 out of the quarter.

If you criticize the case - never get personal and do not dare in a mocking way to evaluate the actions of a person and his excuses. Criticism is not a reason to humiliate a person and make his self-esteem below zero. If you are a wise person, you will make your opponent not only correct the mistake you pointed out, but also begin to do his job with great zeal, showing amazing results.

Use phrases that can motivate person to self-confidence. Don't be afraid to say something like, "I've had exactly the same problems before. But over time you will get used to it and everything will be stable and good. In the meantime, you need to carefully work on yourself.” Do not say to a person: “How is it? After all, I was counting on you!” It completely kills faith in yourself. Be delicate, do not allow yourself any rudeness, but do not be silent if the work done does not suit you.

Constructive criticism is a manifestation of human wisdom who wants to perform or receive the most efficient work. If you, for example, are an employer, the mood of your employees and the success of your enterprise depend on the constructiveness of your criticism. If you are involved in another field of ideas and their implementation, remember that constructive criticism increases not only performance, but also self-esteem, so that in the future certain work is performed as efficiently as possible by a strong and self-confident person.