Oftentimes you will be in situations where you must give critical feedback. This could be within a group situation, giving feedback on a presentation, or receiving feedback from a professor or teacher’s assistant.
While no one wants to hear criticism, it can be given and taken in a dignified manner, which promotes growth. It’s all in the delivery.
When delivering criticism:
• Keep your points focused on the topic and not personal.
• Sandwich the criticism by communicating two positive points, then the criticism, followed by another positive point.
For example: “You were thoughtful in your discussion, especially pulling in the ideas concerning the environment. I wonder if you might consider adding the economic point of view, which may strengthen your argument and bring it full circle.”
• Try as best you can to remain calm when in this discussion. Concentrate on keeping your voice even and at a normal level.
• Select a good time to deliver this news. Don’t give this type of feedback, when the person who will be receiving this, is stressed. They won’t hear what you are saying.
When receiving criticism:
• Focus on the issue or topic. It isn’t personal. If the person, delivering the criticism is angry, stays strong, cut through the angry noise and listen to the message.
• Do not argue with the criticism. Accept it for the information submitted. Think about it afterwards.
• If you feel the criticism was untrue, schedule a follow-up meeting. Oftentimes the shock of the message can cause an emotional response and you can’t actually ‘hear’ the criticism. The reaction you have to the message sometimes makes it more difficult to filter out the information. It is usually better to allow yourself some time to digest the information, prior to reacting to it.
• Be sure to tell the critic that you appreciate their interest. This gesture invites a relationship of mutual trust and sharing. You might have gotten off track and a little criticism can get you back on the right track.
