CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • The Friday Circle, Annisa Essack
    Friday, 2:05 pm - 3:00 pm
    [ - ]

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


Do`s and Don’ts of Constructive Criticism

Here’s the good news: Constructive criticism really is a good thing—it just needs to be delivered in the right way. How do you do that? Here are some do`s and don`ts.

Do actually be constructive

What’s the key word in constructive criticism? Constructive. You shouldn’t just be pointing out a problem—you should be offering a potential solution. Neglecting to do so immediately makes your feedback seem mean-spirited.

Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong

Before you jump right in with your own ideas for how someone could improve, ask yourself: Am I the right person to be providing feedback on this situation? If it doesn’t directly involve you in any way, you’re best to stay out of it—or you’ll run the risk of seeming like a nosy meddler.

Do include something positive

The last thing you want is for your constructive criticism to seem like a personal attack. That’s why it’s often smart to start with something positive. It helps to cushion the blow and make it clear that you don’t think that person is bad at their entire job—there’s just something they could do to become even better.

Don’t sugar-coat your feedback

While you want to start with something good to avoid jumping right in with an accusation, it’s important that your point is still clear. You don’t want to end the conversation with that person feeling confused. So, be as specific as possible. When you can, provide examples to add extra clarity to your feedback.

Do emphasize results

You’re eager to make it clear that you aren’t just offering feedback for the sake of destroying that person’s confidence. There’s a real, meaningful result attached to your criticism. Make sure you emphasize that. Will their improvement in this area speed things up for your whole team? Eliminate errors? Streamline communication? Make sure you point to the positive effects you’ll all experience.

Don’t focus on more than one thing

When you’ve finally gotten your nerve up to provide a piece of criticism, it can be tempting to just use that opportunity to dump out everything you’ve ever wanted to say. Don’t do that! Focus on only one piece of feedback so that the recipient has a chance to process, respond, and ask questions. You shouldn’t overwhelm them with a bunch of feedback all at once—that instantly seems like an attack.

Do avoid generalizations

Nobody wants to be the bearer of bad news, and one of the ways we all tend to detach ourselves from negative feedback is by leaning on generalizations like, “Everybody has been saying…” or “The whole team has noticed…” But, using phrases like these only makes that person feel ganged up on. If you’re the one offering the criticism, then you need to be prepared to shoulder the burden and not group everybody else in with you.

Body language is another key part of delivering constructive criticism effectively. Check out our course all about body language to make sure your nonverbal cues aren’t betraying your message!

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

Supporting Elderly Without Family – Part 5

Supporting Elderly Without Family – Part 5

Community Responsibility Towards Elderly Quick Recap - Youth’s Duty Towards Elders Islam teaches that youth must honour, respect, and serve elders as part of their faith. The Prophet ﷺ said: “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and respect to our...

read more
Youth’s Duty Towards Elders – Part 4

Youth’s Duty Towards Elders – Part 4

Community Responsibility Towards Elders Quick Recap - Addressing the Needs of Elders in the Community Caring for elders is a central responsibility in Islam, emphasized in both the Qur’an and Sunnah. As people age, they face physical, emotional, and spiritual...

read more
Addressing the Needs of Elders – Part 3

Addressing the Needs of Elders – Part 3

Community Responsibility Towards Elders Quick Recap - Elders as a Source of Wisdom and Guidance In Islam, elders are far more than just recipients of care; they are invaluable living libraries of wisdom and guidance for the entire community. Their long lives, filled...

read more
A  Source of Wisdom and Guidance – Part 2

A Source of Wisdom and Guidance – Part 2

Community Responsibility Towards Elders Quick Recap - A Divine Command and a Global Commitment The International Day of Older Persons (October 1st) is a global initiative to honor elders and address the challenges of aging. For Muslims, this modern call to action...

read more
A Divine Command and a Global Commitment – Part 1

A Divine Command and a Global Commitment – Part 1

Community Responsibility Towards Elders A Divine Command and a Global Commitment October 1st - International Day of Older Persons Every year on October 1st, the world observes the International Day of Older Persons. Established by the United Nations in 1990, this day...

read more
The Quest for a World Without Nuclear Weapons – Part 5

The Quest for a World Without Nuclear Weapons – Part 5

Nuclear Weapons Quick Recap - who has nuclear weapons and the double standards Nine countries are known or believed to have nuclear weapons. The United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom are officially recognized under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments