Constructive Criticism

Work Place Management

Taking criticism can be a difficult thing. It can be hard to deal with because nobody likes to be told they are wrong. But it is not all bad because sometimes we can use criticism to give us a competitive edge.

If someone has a criticism it means, they want to give feedback on what we are doing for them. It is an opportunity to learn more about the person or customer and how to convert him into a satisfied customer.

In business, working with someone who is patient and able to receive and act on criticism means both parties can work towards a better outcome. It may make uncomfortable listening but it can make his product stronger in the market as a result. Constructive criticism can guide away from bad practices and towards good ones. Constructive criticism is often the only way we learn about our weaknesses and without it we cannot improve.

Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, many of us react with defensiveness and anger, or even worse, attack the person giving feedback. But the truth is we need to get over it. We should know there is value in constructive criticism.

We should remember, feedback is not easy to give and it is certainly not easy to receive, but it will help us now and in the long run.

The goal in constructive criticism is to critique an individual so they will benefit or improve to achieve the success. A good professional is able to take criticism on board and not respond as though it is a personal attack. They are able to make it work to their advantage.

That puts them at an advantage over anyone else in their sector and can be used again in the future to get things right, even faster.

Aiyan Thiruvalluvar says

இடிக்குந் துணையாரை யாள்வரை யாரே

கெடுக்குந் தகைமை யவர். (447)

दोष देख कर डाँटने जब हैं मित्र सुयोग्य ।
तब नृप का करने अहित, कौन शत्रु है योग्य ॥ (४४७)

Explanation by Scholars

Who are great enough to destroy him who has servants that have power to rebuke him?

இடித்துரைத்து நல்வழி காட்டுபவரின் துணையைப் பெற்று நடப்பவர்களைக் 
கெடுக்கும் ஆற்றல் உள்ளவர் எவர் இருக்கின்றனர்.