Constructive Criticism

By georgelthomas on 22 Apr 2025 • ( 2 )

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today, I’m exploring how to give and receive constructive criticism.

Constructive Criticism

Ever get “feedback” that stings more than it helps? Or maybe you need to offer input but worry you’ll come across as rude? Constructive criticism can be nerve-wracking, yet it’s one of the best ways to fuel personal and professional growth.

Why Constructive Criticism Matters

– It Exposes Blind Spots: No matter how skilled you are, a fresh set of eyes can spot oversights you’ve missed.

– It Builds Trust: Productive feedback fosters open communication, which helps teams experiment and collaborate more freely.

– It Elevates the Final Product: Your work deserves to shine. A good critique polishes your writing and gets you closer to creating something brilliant.

How to Give Constructive Criticism

1. Ask First
Before offering feedback, ensure the other person is open to hearing it. Don’t catch anyone off-guard. A quick “Would you like my thoughts?” is just plain polite.

2. Don’t Make it Personal
You might think it’s obvious, but focusing on the work rather than the creator can make a huge difference. Instead of saying, “You’re not being clear here,” try something like, “This section feels a little unclear — maybe adding more context would help.” The former might feel like an attack, while the latter suggests a team effort. Stay solution-focused, not accusatory.

3. Show Empathy
Recognize the time and heart someone pours into their work — critique to help, not to belittle.

4. End on a Positive Note
Wrap up with encouragement: “You’re so close! I can’t wait to see the final draft.” Confidence boosts motivation.

How to Receive Constructive Criticism

Now for the tricky bit — what do you do when you’re the one receiving feedback?

1. Listen First
Letting someone speak uninterrupted can be tricky, but it’s essential, and even if you don’t want to, hear the other person out. They might have an idea you haven’t thought of, and you might become inspired by something they say.

2. Ask Clarifying Questions
If the feedback is vague, dig deeper. Get specific so you fully understand what whoever is giving you feedback means.

3. Resist Defensiveness
It’s tempting to explain or justify your work. Instead, take a moment, stay calm, stay curious, and look for what you can take away and learn.

4. Choose Which Changes to Keep
Feedback is a suggestion, not a command. Keep the suggestions that align with your ideas.

5. Adopt a Growth Mindset
Criticism can hurt, but it’s an opportunity to improve. Remember: even the pros revise and learn from good feedback.

Ultimately, constructive criticism isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about progress. Think of it as a tool for learning, and watch your work (and collaborations) soar.

What about you? Have you ever had some feedback that thoroughly changed your perspective? Tell me in the comments!

Thank you, as ever, for reading.

Until next time,

George