Alchemy for Managers Weekly Tip – guest post from Paul Matthews.
We all know about criticism and the damage it can do to us – to our confidence and self esteem. But what is criticism and how is it different to feedback?
The simplest way to tell the difference is to consider who the comments will benefit. Are they for the benefit of the giver or the receiver?
Feedback is for the benefit of the receiver Its purpose is to help them grow and develop, and reinforce positive behaviour or actions. It is designed to help and support, and focuses on how to learn from the situation in order to move forward.
On the other hand, criticism always benefits the giver. In most cases, it is done to make the giver feel in some way superior to the receiver. It is often negative and judgmental. It is in many cases subjective rather than objective and it is usually destructive. It is most likely to make the recipient feel defensive, angry or hurt – emotions which stifle learning and growth. Criticism is also often used to apportion blame and to offload negative feelings.
Article by Paul Matthews
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