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Keep Criticism Constructive
Several years ago I had a confrontation with an employer that was so unpleasant I can remember it vividly today. I had stopped by his office to discuss some ideas and was blindsided by an event that had occurred three months earlier of which I had no knowledge. Not only that, he began listing what he considered to be problems with my performance in general. I sat wondering why he had never mentioned any of this before while he continued berating me with criticisms. Finally, I worked up the courage to ask why he hadn’t said anything sooner and his reply floored me. "You don’t accept constructive criticism!" he yelled at me. He claimed that when confronted with negativity I became surly and defensive. Basically, he had kept the original issue inside because he perceived that my reaction would be ugly. After weeks of holding it in, he exploded. Needless to say, a shouting match ensued. I left his office feeling angry, betrayed and bewildered. The confrontation was eventually overcome by both of us; however, it damaged our working relationship from that point on. At the time, I was certain that this man was way out of line. He should have told me about the problem when it occurred, not months later. Also, he attacked me personally, which was hurtful, and brought up issues that were totally unrelated to the original event. Naturally I was upset. Who wouldn’t be? Eventually, though, I realized that I, too, was to blame. Maybe there was some truth in what he said, no matter how painful it was to hear. I could recall being a little put off by simple suggestions on different occasions in the past. I realized there were things that we both could have, and should have, done differently. To begin with, it’s important to realize that criticism is a normal part of everyday work; however, it’s only advantageous when it is constructive. Otherwise, it can be damaging to professional relationships and counterproductive. Constructive criticism is meant to be useful information that helps something to improve. That doesn’t mean that an idea, a project or even a person is bad to begin with. It means that there are ways to be even better. After all, none of us is perfect. However, when criticism is given without the intent to help, or in a way that seems domineering, then it harms the working relationship and hinders both productivity and creativity. Conversely, if the person receiving the criticism isn’t open to suggestions, then the information offered is useless. It’s also helpful to remember that offering and receiving constructive criticism is like being on a team. Suggestions are tossed between the players to help perfect the end result. In publishing, there are several team members needed to get to that final outcome and when that outcome is a sensational book, all the players are winners. But just like any sport, there are rules. Although they may be unspoken, they are no less important. First, constructive criticism should be timely. Don’t put off making sound suggestions for fear of the other person’s reactions. If the suggestion is useful and respectful, then it should be offered. Second, never make a personal attack under the guise of constructive criticism. After all, we’re editing books not people. Third, be sure the criticism is helpful. It should improve upon the original work, not just create change for the sake of change. Fourth, remember when editing a manuscript that it is a creative invention of the author. Have respect for it. Offer only useful suggestions that help to polish the original product. Finally, accept constructive criticism gracefully and in the spirit in which it was intended. By receiving suggestions openly, we improve the project and ourselves. Remember that constructive criticism is a powerful tool requiring that both the giver and the receiver are open to its usefulness. When two or more professionals use their talents to help each other the final outcome can be phenomenal. By Lisa Tawney, a senior editor for American Book Publishing. © 2005 American Book Publishing™ *All other trademarks used by permission. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy and
Trademark Use Policy.
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