How to make constructive criticisms: 11 simple and effective tips

Tips and recommendations on how to make suggestions for improvement based on our opinion.

Constructive criticism is an intrinsic part of the assertive communication process.. When we are able to clearly express our points of view, being empathetic with others, we can make a good constructive criticism. However, it is a delicate process.

In this article we are going to see which are the steps to follow to make constructive criticisms about the actions, the way of being or the performance of the other person.

What does constructive criticism consist of?

The process of making a constructive criticism responds to several factors to take into account, but the basis of all suggestions about what can be done to improve something will always be the empathy you have for the other person. empathy for the other person.

When we are concerned about the development of another person, in any of their areas, we only want this person to be able to improve their capabilities, and for this it is necessary that we express which are the aspects in which they could change their way of behaving (from our point of view).

Thus, to make a criticism with the best intentions, it is necessary that we are able to put ourselves in the other person's place and feel how things are from their perspective.

It is not only necessary to think about the consequence of improvement, the final product, but also to consider the present moment in which we are in the process of improving. We must also consider the present moment in which the improvement has not yet taken place.What concerns, insecurities and expectations does the other person have? How can direct criticism be taken?

How to make constructive criticism?

Here are several tips and recommendations on how to make constructive criticism properly.

1. Be knowledgeable about the subject

To give an opinion on something we do not know is not constructive at all, on the contrary, instead of adding, we will be subtracting.

The most advisable thing to do before criticizing someone is to make sure you have a minimum knowledge of the subject you are going to give your opinion on. Otherwise, giving your opinion in this way could be seen as an unjustified intrusion and a waste of time..

2. Make an assessment of the situation

Before giving your point of view on the performance of a person, it is necessary that you evaluate which are the variables that are influencing the final result. Thus, in your constructive criticism you will be able to provide more accurate information about where the person needs to improve.

For example, the person may already know that he or she is not doing well in college, but that this is mainly due not to a lack of organization or study skills but to the simple fact that he or she is working in the evenings and has no energy left to study.

3. Be sure to include positive aspects

When you are about to give constructive criticism, ideally you should not only focus on the aspects of the person that need to be corrected, but also highlight the positive aspects of the person's performance. you should also take care to highlight their virtues.. This contributes greatly to reinforce the motivation of the other person to continue progressing.

4. Take into consideration the moment

We must be opportune at the moment of criticizing positively. It is necessary that we take into consideration the moment in which we are going to express our points of view to the other person..

For example, there are situations in which a criticism of any kind, due to cultural aspects, generates rejection because it distracts from what is important. A clear example: criticizing the organization of a funeral. Sometimes it is necessary to wait for the right situation in order not to be disrespectful, because even if the other person knows that we have bad intentions, we can generate discomfort.

But in addition to this way by which the context influences the appropriateness of constructive criticism, it is also necessary to take into account that the context can change the meaning of the criticism. can change the meaning of the words.. In such cases it is not so much a matter of distracting from what is important, but of avoiding misunderstandings due to the content of our criticism, which can be interpreted as an attack or a reproach simply because of the place where it is said or because of what has happened just after.

For example, if after seeing how a person humiliates our friend we try to help him/her by giving advice on how to prevent this from affecting him/her, but to do so we use an adjective that the other person has previously used in his/her attack, it may seem that we take what he/she has said for granted, even if it is not an insult.

5. Take into account the place

As with the moment, we also need to check whether the place where we are is the most appropriate to make the remarks we would like to make to someone about his or her performance.

The idea is to motivate them to improve, not generate uncomfortable situations..

6. The type of language

Always use clear language. Do not leave any idea in the air, because this can lead to misunderstandings. We must address, point by point, what our observations and recommendations are.

We do not want to generate rejection, but a bond of trust with the subject. with the subject.

7. Reinforce your objectives

It is important to emphasize the goals that the other person intends to achieve.

It is good to remind him/her how much you want to do it and that it is worth the effort to achieve it, always making sure that these goals are achievable. to achieve it, always making sure that these goals are achievable based on the subject's possibilities.

8. Allow the opportunity for feedback

Once you have finished expressing constructive criticism, be sure to give the other person the right to reply.. It is necessary that the communication is bidirectional and the other person also has the opportunity to give his or her point of view on your suggestions.

9. Control the tone of voice

The tone of voice that we use to communicate our opinions will determine to a great extent will largely determine how the dynamics of the communication will be..

We must not be hostile so that the other person does not feel that he/she is being complied with. The calmer we are, the better.

10. Take into account the other person's availability

There are people who are not available to receive criticism, no matter how constructive it may be. In the first instance we can try an approach to give our criticisms, but if the subject is not receptive to them it is best not to insist too much.

11. Take into account the other person's possibilities

Identify whether the other person has the necessary resources to change his or her situation, or if, on the contrary, he or she has the necessary resources to change his or her situation.If the other person does not have the necessary resources to change his or her situation, or if it is something beyond his or her control.

In the event that the subject cannot change his or her real situation, avoid criticizing him or her, and only offer support and assistance to the extent that you are able to do so.