Destructive Criticism Examples

[Donahue Granados]

Thispost is essential reading for HR staff, small business owners, and leaders or managers. We explain the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. And we share some strategies to help you handle this harmful problem.

The tone of voice and choice of words speak volumes. Constructive criticism is delivered in a friendly, helpful way. By contrast, destructive criticism is more of a personal attack than personal growth.

Destructive criticism in a team environment will see members become defensive. Collaboration, communication, and morale are impacted. And all that negativity acts as a brake on the free-flowing exchange of ideas. The upshot is productivity and efficient working suffer.

Left unchecked, negative feedback can quickly escalate into outright conflict. A team member who feels under attack is likely to defend themselves with counterattacks, which can be just as destructive. Before you know it, colleagues feel forced to take sides, and the team disintegrates into factions.

Like a computer virus that quickly spreads, negativity can infect an entire workplace, creating a toxic environment. Tell-tale signs of a toxic workplace include high rates of absenteeism and sickness. Staff end up leaving in their droves, and productivity and profits inevitably plummet.

Workplace bullying takes many forms and is more common than perhaps most realize. In one study, 30 percent of respondents said they had suffered abusive conduct while at work. And a staggering 66 percent are aware workplace bullying is happening.

This type of negative sniping happens when an employee refuses to accept the authority of their line manager or project team leader. Often it arises because the worker has some grudge against the leader. It could be down to their own racist or sexist prejudices. Or because they feel they have been overlooked or the manager is incompetent.

When relationships between co-workers break down, it can result in damaging behaviors from both sides. Sneering negativity and even sabotage can see the whole team quickly spiral out of control, turning on itself or the leader.

However, if you are dealing with workplace bullying, more decisive action will be necessary. Be prepared to take disciplinary action if appropriate. And make sure the employee on the receiving end gets the support they need.

If the criticism is relevant, talk to the person dishing out the damaging feedback to discover why they were so destructive. There may be personal issues at play you can help with. Keep a note of your conversation in their personnel file and clarify what is acceptable in your team.

And if you are an employee experiencing destructive criticism in the workplace, you can take action. Being on the receiving end of negative feedback is never easy. You may be tempted to counterattack. Or you may internalize the criticism and experience mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. The following strategies will help you cope.

Our gut reaction to a personal attack is usually to retaliate. It takes inner strength to review and reflect on the feedback calmly. First, consider whether the criticism is destructive and if so, is it valid? There may be a grain of truth in there somewhere. If there is some truth, then resolve to do better next time.

However, if the feedback is of the destructive kind, ignoring it is an option. Try not to beat yourself up about it. Instead, see the criticism for what it is: a reflection of the critic and not you. You can take the sting out of the attack by not rising to the bait.

You could raise the issue directly with the culprit if you feel comfortable. This can be effective if the negative feedback is unintentional. The individual may not realize the damage their words are causing.

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Bullying is the unwelcome and persistent mistreatment of an individual that causes physical or emotional harm. This targeted behavior may include verbal, nonverbal, psychological, or physical abuse that is spiteful, offensive, aggressive, menacing, and unreasonable. Bullying can occur when someone in a position of authority uses it to intimidate or coerce their subordinates or between colleagues or peers.

If excused or encouraged, destructive criticism will have disastrous ripple effects in any organization. For example, it causes dysfunction within teams, destroys culture, affects employee performance, and increases turnover in the workplace. At school and elsewhere, it creates conflict, toxic stress, and psychological and physical harm.

Often, destructive criticism is hyper-focused on a problem. But the only way criticism is helpful is if it helps you improve and work towards a solution. So, if you find yourself getting destructive criticism, do everything you can to shift the conversation away from the problem and towards potential solutions.

Constructive criticism is a feedback method that offers specific, actionable recommendations for change and improvement. Good constructive feedback facilitates positive outcomes and creates a positive working environment. It also provides a safe space where a person feels secure enough to ask questions, seek help, and share ideas.

Constructive criticism is clear, direct, honest, and easy to implement. It provides specific examples and actionable suggestions for positive change. This type of feedback also highlights ways the recipient can make positive improvements in their behavior to minimize future problems.

Supporting the additional context with actionable steps and suggestions for how to improve build trust between both parties. This combination also opens the door to conversation, collaboration, and professional development.

Finally, round off the feedback with an encouraging comment that reiterates the positive statement you made at the start. Also, highlight the positive results they can expect if they accept your critique as it helps build trust and confidence.

The more specific and detailed your feedback is, the more actionable it will be. Do not make vague, blanket statements. Instead, list out objections or behavior changes you want to see in detail. This step makes it easier for the other person to address and change things.

The vague comment is very broad and confusing because marketing is a very general topic. In contrast, the specific comment provides clarity and makes the task more actionable because it is so precise.

The first recommendation is not very helpful because it lacks clarity and specificity. The second example is better because it is very specific and demonstrates your point of view to the person by explaining your rationale.

The art of giving constructive criticism is a skill that requires practice and empathy. Here are 13 guidelines you can use to foster a culture of growth, improvement, and mutual respect, when giving constructive feedback.

Giving constructive criticism can make both parties uncomfortable. And comments can be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Be sure to leave time and space for questions to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Such criticism is not meant to help. It only serves to tear down. And in doing so, it gives a feeling of smug superiority. (I am embarrassed to admit that I have given criticism such as this, often out of frustration, much more than I would prefer.)

Regardless of your role, you have opportunities every day to offer criticism to others. It is up to you what lens you choose to give that criticism. Will it be destructive, constructive, or instructive? Are you going to tear them down, build together, or add on? The choice is yours.

Alex Valencic is an educator, former small business owner, Boy Scout, volunteer drug prevention specialist, unrepentant bibliophile, and a geek of all things. He worked as a substitute teacher for three years before achieving his lifelong dream of teaching fourth grade, which he did for seven years in Urbana, Illinois, before accepting his current position as the Curriculum Coordinator for 21st Century Teaching and Learning in Freeport, Illinois, where he not only supports innovative educational practices in the classroom but also oversees social studies, science, and nearly all of the elective courses in the district.

Understanding the difference between constructive and destructive criticism plays a vital role in distinguishing between valuable feedback and harmful remarks. Constructive criticism is meant to guide and empower the recipient, providing them with useful insights for improvement. On the other hand, destructive criticism is aimed at belittling, attacking, or undermining the recipient. Recognizing the intent behind criticism can aid in the development of strategies to address and overcome toxic feedback.

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