{"id":97,"date":"2016-12-05T05:21:27","date_gmt":"2016-12-05T05:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/?p=97"},"modified":"2025-09-26T08:52:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T06:52:46","slug":"why-criticism-is-good-for-you-and-when-its-not","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/why-criticism-is-good-for-you-and-when-its-not\/","title":{"rendered":"Why criticism is good for you (and when it’s not)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nobody likes to be told that something they have slaved over for days didn\u2019t quite hit the mark. And even if you know some of your work probably deserved some extra love, criticism always stings.<\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s the deal with criticism? Is it a necessary evil for effective communication<\/a> and professional growth, or is it merely someone else\u2019s way of feeling better about themselves?<\/p>\n

The skill with which you communicate less-than-favourable feedback<\/a> on someone\u2019s work could mean the difference between breaking a colleague.<\/p>\n

Here are a few ways constructive criticism it can help you, and some advice on when to let it go.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Understanding the Difference Between Criticism and Feedback<\/h4>\n

The difference between helpful and hurtful is understanding whether you are providing criticism or feedback. When you provide feedback you are coaching someone, ensuring they improve themselves. Delivering criticism on the other hand, leaves people feeling incompetent.<\/p>\n

Unsure of how effectively you\u2019re communicating? Transform your critical phrases into feedback that inspires change. Here are word-for-word examples of how to optimise your communication:<\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

4 Reasons to Listen to the Critics<\/h5>\n

1. It\u2019ll help you understand the ways your work could be improved<\/strong><\/p>\n

No one is perfect. The only way to know where you could improve is to encourage an open channel of communication. If you are open to suggestions around how you might approach things differently, you\u2019ll be perceived as a more authentic leader and it\u2019ll be easier for you to rally a team around a common goal or towards improving shared processes.<\/p>\n

2. It\u2019ll give you new perspective<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you\u2019re working on the same project for long periods of time, chances are you\u2019ll lose sight of things that aren\u2019t working. Inviting feedback into your project will help you gain a fresh pair of eyes and improve the way forward.<\/p>\n

3. It\u2019s a sign that people are genuinely invested in your growth<\/strong><\/p>\n

Remember, giving someone negative feedback is almost as hard as being on the receiving end. You know what you\u2019re saying is going to hurt the person but you do it anyway. If people didn\u2019t care about your success, they wouldn\u2019t waste their time trying to improve the way you work. Hear what they have to say – they could be the difference between success or failure.<\/p>\n

4. It\u2019ll teach you a lot about yourself and other people<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you react when someone starts with negative feedback? Receiving criticism helps you learn about areas of your work that could be improved but it also helps you manage your own emotional reactions, helping you improve your leadership qualities.<\/p>\n

On top of this, you\u2019re also gifted insight into the other person. What upsets them? How do they approach difficult situations? This will improve your relationship with them as you find effective ways of communicating with them and work towards shared goals.<\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

When someone points out something that\u2019s not working, hear them out. External eyes on a project can help you solve problems you weren\u2019t even aware existed. But, don\u2019t take everything you\u2019re told at face-value. You know the project you\u2019re working on better than anyone else. Their solution might not be what you need but alerting you to the problem could help you succeed.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

When to Let it Go<\/h4>\n

The most powerful tool you have in your arsenal when it comes to communication? Silence. When you listen to other people, you\u2019re able to get the most out of what they have to say. It also proves that you take them seriously. But how do you know when criticism is not worth your time or when to take it with a pinch of salt?<\/p>\n

1. If it makes you unhappy for a prolonged period of time<\/strong><\/p>\n

You work hard. It hurts to when someone points out your flaws, but usually you can handle it. If the feedback you are getting is something that you\u2019ve worked to change but haven\u2019t been able to, and the fear of it is holding you back, it\u2019s better to let it go. The prolonged unhappiness it brings you is more detrimental to your success than a flaw someone else has pointed out.<\/p>\n

2. If it\u2019s too personal<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not everyone has pure motives when it comes to giving you feedback. If the criticism you\u2019re receiving really stings, think about what that person is saying. Are they talking about something that directly influences the way you work or your behaviour in a specific situation? Or are they more concerned about you come off as a person? If feedback is based on something intrinsic to your personality, it\u2019s not important enough to worry about.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s not impacting the bottom line of the business, it\u2019s none of their business.<\/p>\n

3. If they aren\u2019t providing solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Criticism needs to be partnered with a solution to help you correct the situation. If it\u2019s not, the person is not interested in the success of the project enough to warrant getting involved. Ask the person providing you with feedback for their advice before you worry about solving the issue alone.<\/p>\n

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