How to Give Criticism

Have you ever been criticised by someone and it seemed that they were enjoying the experience of correcting you? There is a segment of our society who takes great delight in the false sense of superiority in pointing out the faults of another. As they tear you down their egos are built up. This is not constructive criticism, this is self gratification at the expense of another's feelings. This article will teach you to offer criticism that is to help not hurt the person needing the correction. The information for the article is taken by and large from the book, Words that hurt, Words that heal.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patients

How to Give Criticism

1. Einstein said it best, "The worlds peril are caused more by those who tolerate evil than by those who actively commit it." It is our social responsibility to correct those who are in error. But our goal should be to correct to change the circumstance for the better, not punish.

2. Focus on the issue not the person. Ask yourself the question, "Will criticising this person make me feel good or will it cause me pain?" If good, then if it is possible wait till your focus is off yourself and on the circumstance at hand. Remember the goal is to change things, not feed your ego or to punish.

3. Don't just criticise; offer ways and means to correct the problem. Do so gently and tenderly, never in anger.

4. "Just as one is commanded to say that which will be heeded, so is one commanded not to say that which will not be heeded." Babylonian Talmud

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to always correct a person in private. The situation is hard enough for the hearer than to feel the whole world is looking at them!
• When correcting someone make it a point not to use words like "Never" and "Always". "You never listen!" or "You always mess things up." No greater statements could wound a personality more than these words.