1. Constructive Criticism

2. The Word “Constructive” Synonyms: Antonyms:

3. The ONE and ONLY reason for Constructive Criticism MOTIVATE someone to change behavior

4. How to give Constructive Criticism Address the person without attacking the person. How would you feel receiving it?

5. The Sandwich Technique  Relaxes the other person  Creates an open state of mind to receive constructive criticism  Reduce possibility of anger reaction  To let the other person know you are on their side  Motivate the person to accept the constructive criticism  DO IT WHEN THE PERSON IS IN A GOOD MOOD!

7. Words that Describe Behavior: Specific Behaviors: Absence of Behaviors:

8. Guidelines to Giving Think it through before you say something:  Is it really constructive?  Why am I giving the criticism?  Am I describing specific behavior?  Do I have at least 2 compliments to give?  Am I criticizing only one point?  Am I relaxed and not angry?  How would I feel receiving this criticism?  Is it something the person can change?

9. Guidelines to Giving Use “I” Statements. Be tentative-keep an open door for dialogue. Criticize in private and praise in public. Be timely. Focus on the present.

10. Guidelines to Giving Do not use comparison. Take the team approach. Listen to the person’s response. Allow the person to make decisions.

11. Example The first thing I observed was that you did a good job at… Now if we can tweak this one thing…. One of your greatest strengths is…

12. Example When this group comes together, creative things happen. Let us brainstorm together how we can achieve… We came up with many ideas that will improve our labs.

13. Guidelines to Receiving Recognize the value of constructive criticism. Put yourself in the place of the person giving the constructive criticism. Acknowledge criticism that focuses on your behavior.  Ask for specific examples of behavior.

14. Guidelines to Receiving Listen Actively:  Paraphrase what the other is saying.  Restate the criticism to make sure you understand it.  Ask questions to increase understanding.  Check out the person’s nonverbal behavior.

15. Guidelines to Receiving Work hard to not become defensive. Use the constructive criticism to improve. Communicate how you feel.  Use “I” messages. Maintain eye contact and open body language as you listen.

16. Example Your supervisor points out that you did not include an important part of the meeting in your minutes. “It sounds like I have missed part of the discussion at the meeting when I was taking the minutes.”

17. One of your coworkers points out that if you tidied up your office, you'd probably get more work done at a quicker pace. What do you say in response?  "If you're so concerned about the 'tidiness' of my office, feel free to come in and clean it up whenever you like."  "You're right. I'll clean it up tonight after work."  "It is a bit of a mess, but I pretty much know where everything is."

18. Example As you're driving your teenage son/daughter to school in the morning she tells you that you need fashion help with your clothes because you are so outdated.  Like I'm really going to take advice from someone who wears black lipstick and white eyeliner.lipstick  I really do need new clothes.  Maybe, I wouldn't mind doing something different.

19. Activity Write a script of constructive criticism. Role play the script. Possible scenarios:  Has many grammar errors in writing.  Does not comprehend the reading selection.  Does not know how to multiply fractions.  Co-worker is late for lab.