"I heard what you said I just didn't appreciate the tone."

In the same breadth, we need to understand that it is a two-way street. There cannot be development or improvement if we are not willing to be flexible and embrace change. Here are self-development tips on how to give and equally receive constructive criticism in the workplace.

Giving constructive criticism

1. Do it Privately.

Maintaining privacy when giving constructive criticism is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it is a sign of respect. People handle criticism differently, others may receive it positively while others may not. Sharing this feedback in private allows the person to save face and maintain their dignity.  Furthermore, Publicly criticizing someone can be embarrassing and damaging to their reputation especially when the delivery is bad. This might have a negative impact on the self-esteem of the individual being corrected and may affect their productivity at work. Keeping the feedback private also demonstrates that you value their feelings. Another beauty of privacy is that it creates a culture of trust and openness. Individuals tend to be open to discussion on the issue at hand when they have confidence in your level of confidentiality. This not only helps you to understand their perspective but also encourages them to learn from their mistakes.

2. Keep it Professional

Professionalism is the key to delivering constructive criticism in a respectful, objective, and effective manner. One mistake that people do when giving criticism is allowing their emotions to get the best of them. There is a fine line between honesty and rudeness. Expressing your emotions on the subject matter is not wrong, however, you can communicate effectively.  You could begin with a disclaimer; acknowledge your emotional state while making it clear that the criticism is not intended to be a personal attack. Alternatively, you could begin by identifying the reason for the criticism and identifying the specific emotion you are feeling followed by a brief explanation. For example:

1. I would like to provide you with some feedback on your recent report. While I appreciate the effort you put into it, I felt disappointed because it didn't address the key issues we were hoping to resolve.
2. I understand that you've put a lot of effort into this project, and I appreciate that. However, I must admit that I'm feeling a bit frustrated because I noticed some errors that could have been easily avoided with more attention to detail.

The examples of constructive criticisms above are great because the person relaying feedback has checked out several boxes under professionalism. The tone was not accusatory, the recipient's efforts have been acknowledged, the speaker’s emotions have been identified and explained and a solution has been suggested. The delivery of these criticisms professionally reduces the chances of the recipient being defensive and helps them apply the feedback effectively.

 3. Listen to the recipient’s Perspective.

For constructive criticism to have an impact, it is essential to get valuable context and insight into the situation. Take your time to listen and understand the recipient’s point of view so that you can tailor your feedback in a meaningful manner.

Did you know: constructive criticism is not always appropriate in every situation?

There could be a miscommunication or misunderstanding somewhere. When you take your time to listen, you are more likely to work collaboratively in finding solutions to the problem at hand. Moreover, understanding the recipient's perspective could strengthen your work relationship. We need to realize that giving criticism without considering the context may come across as insensitive.

 4. Offer suggestions for improvement.

Instead of focusing on the problem, focus on the change you would like to be effected. Provide suggestions on how the individual can improve their work-stream or their behavior. As a good listener, take note of the issues they addressed and try and provide guidance and actionable steps they can take to address the areas of concern. Avoid coming across as mean or demotivating by criticizing without offering suggestions for improvement.

 5. Give credit where it is due.

I cannot stress enough the importance of feeling valued and appreciated. Giving credit where it is due simply means acknowledging the good someone has done even when giving criticism. This goes a long way in boosting morale. It is the secret to avoid being overly critical which can come across as harsh and undermine one's confidence. Giving credit where it is due establishes a positive relationship and makes the recipient susceptive. It also reinforces the good habits and behaviors that lead to successful outcomes.

 6. End on a positive note.

It is imperative to end the feedback on a positive note, to leave the recipient feeling motivated and encouraged. Express your confidence in their ability to do or be better. Focusing on the recipient's strengths and opportunities for growth is a commendable approach. This helps the recipient to feel empowered to make positive changes. In addition to that, it creates a supportive and productive work environment

 7. Make a follow-up

The importance of making a follow-up after the initial conversation to check on progress cannot be overstated. This can help reinforce the importance of constructive criticism. It also showcases that you care about their development and success. Offer assistance where necessary and congratulate them for the good work done. That is how growth is achieved.

Receiving constructive criticism.

Receiving constructive criticism can be challenging especially when key factors such as time and effort put in or varying ideologies come into play.  Here are four tips on how to receive the feedback:

 1. Actively Listen

When you are on the receiving end of the stick, listen without interruptions. This helps you understand the speaker’s point of view. Do not jump on the defensive even when there seems to be a misunderstanding. Keep an open mind and get key takeaways from the feedback.

 2. Maintain your composure

Keep calm even when the delivery of the criticism is not right. This demonstrates your professionalism, and could potentially have a positive impact on the other party’s delivery. Besides, it enables you to stay focused and to be objective.

 3. Seek and clarify.

Clarity can best be achieved by having a conversation and asking questions.  The former enables you to explain your perspective to the speaker while the latter enables you to get a better understanding of where they are coming from. Clear up any misunderstanding and take note of the areas of improvement.

 4. Be open to change

Drop your defensive or denial mode when receiving constructive criticism. Take time to reflect on the message conveyed. Find out what you agree and disagree with. Ultimately, take constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow and elevate yourself. Consider incorporating constructive criticism into your behavior or work. It may take time, but you will eventually get there.

5. Express gratitude.

Do not forget to thank the speaker for the learning and growth opportunity. Have the right attitude and mindset and the rest shall fall into place.

In conclusion, navigating feedback conversations in the workplace requires both giving and receiving constructive criticism productively and respectfully. By following these tips, you can have more effective feedback conversations that lead to positive change and growth in the workplace.

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