ohn Ribeiro
After reading Chapter 6; Communication, Coaching, and Conflict Skills (Lussier &Achua, 2007) the phrase constructive criticism took on a new connotation.
This following sentence allowed me to rethink about a phrase that I often used without thinking about its actual meaning. “Criticism must be avoided at all costs, there is no such thing as constructive criticism; all criticism is destructive” (Falvey, 1982). If one wants to support another person that is perceived as being constructive but criticism does the opposite.
How could the phrase, which has an oxymoronic tone, be used repeatedly without thinking about its true meaning? Has it become a cliché in our culture?
What is constructive criticism? One definition states, “Criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions” (The Webster’s New Millennium™ Dictionary of English). When you closely analyze this definition the words criticism and advice seem to be at opposite points of the spectrum, both polarizing from a positive or negative perspective. Some words that become synonymous for advice are recommendation, counsel, suggestion, guidance and opinion all terms that reflect a guiding positive frame; for criticism some synonyms are censure, disapproval, disparagement and denigration. This definition of the phrase is as contradictory as the phrase itself.
There are different types of criticism; placing blame, embarrassment and focusing on the person are some of them which are rarely effective (Lussier & Achua, p. 217-218). Criticism is the process of pointing out errors that a person does (p. 216). It is used in a negative fashion where the person who receives the criticism may become defensive, embarrassed and a damaged self-concept (p. 216).
There is an abundance of websites related to this topic. Most of these sites address effective ways to give and accept constructive criticism. There is a site that gives steps in providing “Good Constructive Criticism”, again what is good about criticism? Is there such a thing as bad constructive criticism?
In the sandwich approach (Lussier & Achua, p.216) both praise and criticism is given at the same time but even though one is told several good things about himself/herself, the one negative thing will be the one remembered. Perhaps as we think about the respectful approaches we should use to support others we should also be mindful of the terminology we use.
References
Constructive criticism. (n.d.). Webster’s New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.7). Retrieved November 04, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/constructive criticism
Falvey, J.,To raise productivity, try saying thank you. (December 6, 1982). The Wall Street Journal, p. B1.
Lussier, R. N. & Achua, C.F. (2007). Leadership, theory, application, skill development (3rd ed.) Mason, OH: Thompson Publishing.
