[custom_frame_center shadow=”on”]
[/custom_frame_center]
The question, “Can I give you some constructive criticism?” has to be one of the most double-edged, seemingly innocuous (to the inquirer), wall-building (to the receiver) questions. You might have a boss, parent or friend who poses this question in efforts to educate or enlighten. If you immediately bristle at the question, you know that how it is expressed and how it is taken are highly subjective.
The word “criticism” by its very definition (thanks, Merriam-Webster) is: “The analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.” Imagine a food critic sitting at a white linen table in a new upscale restaurant with fork raised, ready to savor a culinary creation and then give it rave reviews in a local publication. In our fast-paced, media-driven society, criticisms freely dispensed, often unsolicited. A quick perusal of your favorite social media site probably defines criticism more closely to another of the dictionary’s clarifications: “The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.” No images of artistic genius here.
If someone you respect is asking permission to give you advice, you have a solid opportunity to see something from a different perspective. If you are blessed with insightful parents or siblings, a little advice can go a long way. Unfortunately, the phrase “constructive criticism” has been tainted by a large lack of the former and a monster dose of the latter.
Consider the often-feared review with an employer. An annual review is meant to provide job- and career-related recommendations. Both you and your boss should come to the meeting with some paper. His/hers should have concrete examples and recommendations. Yours should have questions, a list of accomplishments and, if you are bold, an idea of asking for a raise. Here are some typical questions or comments you should hear:
- What are your strengths in this job?
- What are your biggest achievements during the last year?
- In what areas would you like to improve?
- I’ve taken note of some of contributions this year. Let me tell you how they have benefitted our team.
- What can we do to help you do your job better?
What you should not hear in a review:
- I know I haven’t mentioned this before, but do you realize that you really destroyed our presentation back in January?
- That one time that you made an announcement during our company meeting? I just don’t think you were perky enough. I wasn’t feeling any excitement. (Actual comment)
- Any negative comments about fellow employees or comparisons between employees.
- You know how you took all of your vacation time this year? Well, we really don’t do that here.
Constructive criticism has a bad rap, but it really can work in your favor. If you get some hard-to-swallow-but-true advice, use it to improve yourself and/or your job. After a job review, you can decide if your place of employment is really where you want to be. Perhaps it is the time to steer your own career and be your own boss!
By: Melissa Hardin Baysinger
