criticism or encouragement?
December 4th, 2009
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.
If someone is doing something quite blatantly wrong or even badly then they need to be told. I know that perhaps in the world of art there might not be a “wrong” way to do something but I’m going to draw on an example from my experience.
Whilst working in marketing we frequently had to deliver presentations to customers, colleagues and managers. Before giving a presentation for the first time it was considered pretty much standard to deliver it to some colleagues to make sure the material was well understood and that you conveyed the message well. Also, it’s so easy to pick up bad habits during presentations. We would be quite ruthless when stripping each others presentations down. For example, I found out after most sentences I slapped my hand against my leg, a new habit I picked up. Also, some of the content I saw that my colleagues were going to deliver was appalling or just plain wrong and I informed them before the company I worked for was so badly represented. By pointing out these mistakes and how they can be easily solved I did them a great favour as they could have been severely embarrassed. I am also thankful for all the times I’ve been told I was doing something wrong and either corrected it myself or was simply nudged in the right direction by the person who made the point originally.
Anyway, I find it extremely useful and have never really taken offence or suffered discouragement from it. If I really am incapable of something I hope to be told quickly so I can focus my energy elsewhere.
Also, you should try a definition of constructive criticism Kian, they make much more sense.
Comments serving to improve or advance; providing a helpful critical judgment expressed with knowledge.
Sounds good to me :)
I’m no expert, but I think criticism is simply pointing out the flaws or mistakes in something or someone, encouragement is telling someone that they can improve/how to improve, and constructive criticism is both – pointing out what’s wrong and suggesting how to improve it.
I love the idea of only praising and encouraging, and never criticising, but I’m not sure it’s always possible. Also, criticism doesn’t have to be a negative experience. If a person says it with good intentions, with a view to helping you improve, and especially if the person has shown by their general conduct that they’re not a spiteful person, I’d take it well.