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Over on Bahaiperspectives.com, something interesting was posted on the topic of constructive criticism.  The author challenges the idea that constructive criticism is any better than regular criticism.

Having recently graduated from an Art/Design course which encouraged a culture of constructive criticism and witnessing its success, my initial response was that, if people have bad experiences with constructive criticism, then either its not being delivered well, or not being received well.  Both of which are skills anyone can learn.

Certain things I feel are important to keep in mind when critiquing are to make sure that the person you’re offering it too is prepared to receive it, and to offer lots of praise.  To take an honest look at the persons work or character, and focus on how they or their work can become even greater.

As for the receiver, the main thing is to not take offence unnecessarily, and to remain detached.

As I read through the article, the author then mentioned a friend who, rather than picking up on all the faults of her children, reviews where they are, and then tells them where they can go.  This model is very similar to the model of “praise-review-visualize” which is the form of criticism that many of us started to employ on our Art/Design course.  A model which worked quite successfully.

However, upon reflection, while this model has proven constructive, is it really criticism?  Would it not be more accurate to call it encouragement?  Its just more useful encouragement than the shallower “go on, you can do it!”

The more I think about it, the better the form of criticism I can think of, the more it seems to look like encouragement.

Reading through the various definitions of criticism reveal an orientation around fault finding.  Picking out the faults of others doesn’t seem like a healthy way to live my life, and “constructive” criticism just seems like putting nice icing on a bad cake.

Definitions of encourage on the Web:

• promote: contribute to the progress or growth of
• inspire with confidence; give hope or courage to

These definitions of encourage seem to be what I would intend constructive criticism to be.  So if this is encouragement, what’s constructive criticism, and why do we need it?

What are your views on criticism and encouragement?  Leave your comments below, or for any readers via facebook, head over to Coffee Stains and Ink Spills and comment there.

Filed under: Baha'i, freelance thinking, life musings by kiamo
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