CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • Gujerati Express, Sarah Husain
    Saturday, 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    [ - ]

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


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


What is Constructive Criticism?

What if we told you you’re not perfect?

Obviously, you know that already—but it still kind of stings. Criticism of any kind can be hard to swallow, especially when it comes to something you spent time and energy on. Inherently, we all want to do a good job. But criticism is just as important as praise, if not more so. Good, constructive feedback can help you improve and guide you towards new heights you might not have achieved otherwise.

That isn’t to say giving and taking constructive criticism is easy. But when you know how to take criticism, you become a better employee, friend, and team member.

Constructive criticism

Are you groaning and rolling your eyes at the sight of those two little words? I can’t blame you.

As much as we all love to tout our own desires to grow and improve, there’s no way around the fact that receiving constructive feedback is often cringe-worthy at best. And, being the one to offer it usually isn’t any easier.

But, here’s the thing:

“Constructive criticism is one of those necessary evils in the workplace, office or even at home. It’s what pushes you to become a better employee, and what you rely on to get the best out of everybody around you.”

However, constructive criticism is really only effective when it’s delivered politely and professionally, and getting it right resembles a tightrope walk.

What makes constructive criticism so cringe-worthy?

First, we need to answer this question: Why do we all hate constructive criticism so much? We know it almost always leads to positive outcomes, so why does it still make us flinch?

Well, to put it simply, being on the receiving end of constructive criticism knocks our confidence down a few pegs. None of us like being reminded that we aren’t flawless at our jobs, and those negative pieces of feedback are what stick with us. In fact, psychology research shows that it takes five positive events to make up for just one negative event in our brains.

Even further, we tend to get so hyper-focused on that one perceived flaw (no matter how miniscule it might be!), that it overshadows nearly everything else.

A separate study showed that constructive criticism actually dulled the lessons that employees took away from their performance appraisals. It was as if they heard that one piece of harsh feedback and totally shut down.

You get it—receiving this type of criticism is challenging because it pokes holes in our ego. But, what about offering it? Why is that part so difficult?

Despite the fact that the very premise of constructive criticism involves investing your own energy into helping someone improve, there’s still plenty of potential for fallout. You could tarnish your own reputation by being perceived as bossy or condescending. Or, you could potentially damage your relationship with that person.

In fact, a study conducted by PsychTests found that 41% of respondents have actually gotten into an argument more than once with someone because they felt unjustly criticized.

So, with scary stats like that one, it’s no wonder that we’re all hesitant to give this oh-so-important feedback to the people we work with.

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

Solutions to the Problem

Solutions to the Problem

When we talk about the many wounds inflicted on Mother Earth—climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: The Earth is resilient. She has the power to heal, to renew, and to rebalance — if we let her. The most...

read more
Challenges Facing the Earth

Challenges Facing the Earth

As we reflect on Mother Earth Day, it's only right that we take a long, honest look at the challenges our planet is facing right now. The day might have passed, but the Earth doesn’t stop speaking just because the calendar moves on. Her voice continues — in the rising...

read more
Mother Earth

Mother Earth

The Current State of the Earth Our Mother Earth is not just a planet floating in space. She is the ground beneath our feet, the air in our lungs, the water that flows through our bodies and nourishes our food. She is our home, and right now, she is in distress. When...

read more
International Mother Earth Day

International Mother Earth Day

The History and Spirit of Mother Earth Day April 22 – International Mother Earth Day Every year on April 22, people around the world pause for International Mother Earth Day — a time to reflect on the planet that holds, feeds, and sustains all of us. But beyond the...

read more
Resistance, Survival, and Resilience

Resistance, Survival, and Resilience

In conversations about genocide, the focus is often on destruction — on death tolls, war crimes, and unimaginable suffering. And while it is necessary to confront that brutality head-on, it is just as important to recognize what often goes overlooked: resistance,...

read more
The Role of Propaganda and Dehumanization

The Role of Propaganda and Dehumanization

Genocide doesn’t begin with bullets or bombs — it begins with words. Before a single act of mass killing occurs, societies are prepared through propaganda and dehumanization, two powerful tools that shape how people see each other. These tools pave the way for...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments