Giving constructive criticism shouldn’t be so hard.
I refer to criticism as art because, like most art forms, it is fully understood by a few but undertaken by most. It is an evaluative exercise that occurs across every area of life, although more professionally seen in artistic endeavours. Wherever practised, its purpose remains the same, to be a catalyst for growth and enable improvement.
Even though the word criticism has its roots in the Latin word “Criticus” meaning “judger”. To criticize does not necessarily mean to find fault or to condemn but to understand the goal of the subject and to objectively provide an avenue for enhancement
Various researchers have come up with various types of criticism ranging from conservative criticism (which is a form of criticism given only based on conformity to a set of rules or principles) down to radical criticism (which is a type of criticism only relating to the root of the problem). However, two stand out the most to me because they are more closely related to the purpose of criticism. These include constructive and destructive criticism.
Constructive criticism is given based on facts and not emotion. It points out the faults of a subject matter intending to be beneficial, with the hope to correct and not to tear down. Most times, it is validated based on professional knowledge or practical experience. More often than not, it leaves the recipient feeling enlightened and enriched with new knowledge.
Destructive criticism, on the other hand, is more or less its opposite. It is designed to cause emotional harm and tear down confidence in art. It is probably the type of criticism Dale Carnegie referred to when he said and I quote;
Criticism is futile because puts a person on the defensive and makes a person strife to justify themselves. It is dangerous because it wounds a person’s precious pride, hurts his sense of importance and arouses resentment.
-Dale Carnegie (How to win friends and influence people)
It is never recommended because this type of criticism usually leaves the recipient with an emotional or cognitive injury. Therefore, it is hardly ever accepted by the recipient, hence making the whole process futile. In as much as destructive criticism has it’s downsides, some may argue there are some cases where it is necessary. One example can be when the critic has a very close relationship with the receiver and there is a need to convey distaste with the subject using the most direct method possible. This is usually conveyed best when the emotions of the receiver are not spared as this is often thought to produce the best result, almost synonymous to the phrase “tough love”.However, whatever the situation, I would suggest constructive criticism be given at all times because criticism can be given effectively without tearing down a person’s effort.
Design and Criticism
As an architecture graduate and present product designer, I have witnessed quite a number of criticisms’ and critiques and I have received my fair share as well, cutting across all types mentioned here and those unmentioned. If this comes as a surprise to you, it might interest you to know that criticism is a very important part of artistic expression, such that it was included in the Pulitzer prize category in 1970, and since then, there has been a Pulitzer prize for effective criticism. It is also not surprising to learn that many of the winners over the years happened to be architecture critics. This makes me wonder if there is something about architecture that forces everyone to see their work of art as a reflection of the architect’s soul.
However, all my years of experiencing critiques’ in various forms have taught me that regardless of the type of criticism given, the distinction between an effective critique and an ineffective one, lies not just in what is being said but the intent behind the words, as well as it’s delivery.
It is safe to say that criticism is hardly ever a pleasant experience for the receiver but it doesn’t have to be so. The tips below act as a guideline to carry out effective constructive criticism. Always start with the positive side of the subject, no matter how minute or insignificant. If there are none, it can even be something positive about the person, not the subject matter. This is because, as Judith Martin put it: “When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable”.
If possible, find out the person’s perspective or thought process regarding the subject matter before casting your judgement.
State the shortcomings of the subject in clear terms, avoiding direct blows to the person behind the subject matter. Also, refrain from using insulative words and condescending language. At this point, the tone of voice used is very important.
Where possible, proffer solutions or possible suggestions to how the subject could have been done better or can be improved upon. Always remember that if you have the power to criticize you also have the power to help.
No doubt effective criticism requires a level of empathy but that is the surest way to attain the best result. All in all, wherever you find yourself in life, always seek to build up with your words and not tear down.
