Understanding Criticism - Finding the Good in Feedback
- 3 ins.ide
- Aug 2, 2020
- 2 min read
by - sometimesitsnameless
Learning to tell the difference between the two types of criticism can be an important life skill. It is common to react negatively when challenged by someone, but there is a lot of good that can come from feedback. Consider how adverse reactions make you look and how they make you feel. It is healthier to identify ways to benefit from criticism and use it to your advantage to be a better person.
How comments are delivered is the main difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. When someone gives destructive criticism and challenges your ability, character, or ideas, it can damage your self-esteem.
Destructive criticism is often just carelessly said comments from another person, but it can also be deliberately malicious and hurtful.
Constructive criticism shows you where and how improvements can be made. It might still hurt, but it is much easier to accept constructive criticism over destructive.
Vague criticism is when a remark isn't clear, and the feedback just leaves you feeling confused. The best advice? Ask the commenter to clarify or to give recommendations on how you can improve.
Sometimes there are critical people by nature, and they don't always realize that they are hurting someone else's feelings. If you know someone who is critical of everything, try not to take their comments to heart: it's not you, it's them! If you feel that the words being said to you will make you say or do something damaging in response, it is better to just walk away. Somebody's negative remarks may hurt, but it is more harmful if you allow their criticism to damage your confidence.
No matter what kind of criticism is aimed at you, analyze it to find something you can learn from it. When somebody is attacking your character, it is hard to accept, but that does not mean you should ignore it. Even if said in bitterness, there is always some sort of kernel of truth hidden in people's remarks, either they are reflecting their own negativity onto you, or they have a perspective of you that you can't see of yourself. For an honest opinion, ask a friend!
We all learn by making mistakes, and learning how to deal with criticism positively is one way to improve our interpersonal relationships with others.
STAY SAFE & STAY HEALTHY
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