11 replies to this topic

[TaleSpinner]

It seems lately that we have a lot of flak flying around about too much criticism, not enough, not constructive critique, etc... I recently read a few articles that give excellent advice in this area, and thought I'd share them with you. I chose to post these here in Show Off because this is where the rubber hits the road on this issue.

How to Give Kind Criticism, and Avoid Being Critical

How to Accept Criticism with Grace and Appreciation

Anyway, as a Tech. Writer, I need to take criticism every day, and as a Team Lead, I sometimes need to give it. I found these articles to be very healpful and insightful.

Andy

[vutpakdi]

I really like those articles, and they will be helpful at work as well (gotta love design review meetings).

Thank you!

Ron

[Mortiana27]

Thanks for those links, I'm going to bookmark them as soon as I get home :)

[Krztoff]

Those are some good links.

Although perhaps in the future when you post links to articles that long, you could add some key quotes or perhaps a summary for people who might not care to read the entire article. At least they would then benefit from the major points.

Again, good post.

[TaleSpinner]

Although perhaps in the future when you post links to articles that long, you could add some key quotes or perhaps a summary for people who might not care to read the entire article. At least they would then benefit from the major points.

Thanks. I hadn't thought of doing that. I don't post links very often. I'll do that in the future.

TS

[Warlady]

Two very good articles - thanks for posting those!

[Shakandara]

Those are some good links.

Although perhaps in the future when you post links to articles that long, you could add some key quotes or perhaps a summary for people who might not care to read the entire article. At least they would then benefit from the major points.

Again, good post.

I didn't know it was possible for someone to have their tongue surgically attached to their cheek...

~v

[ixminis]

I consider myself a fairly slow reader & thought that the articles were about the right size. At the same time, I recognize I have one opinion out of many. Good stuff TS -> thank you for sharing! Perhaps we can get this added to a sticky (or get permission from the author to plagiarize a little bit and incorporate it in the Show Off guidelines...) (Reminder: I'm a freelancer, and don't represent Reaper, we'd need a moderator or two to weigh in for my suggestion to come to fruition)

Rgds,

[Baphomet69]

Those articles weren't long. The web pages with all the responses, etc. are, but the actual articles seemed pretty short to me. Thanks for the links!

[Bodhi]

Having been a striving zenbuddhist for the past eight years I felt I recognized and sympathised with much in the articles. I prefer articles that I disagree with. Gives me opportunity to shake myself a little and stop navel gazing

I've allways thought that "If someone takes their time to say ANYTHING about what I do I have every reason to be grateful because they take their time with me"

And the part about GIVING criticism is part of all teachers education - it's almost the FUNDAMENT of teaching to be able to do that in a non aggrevating manner.

[dargrin]

Great articles. I know several people (not board releated) that need to read either one or the other.

[bleujenna]

I agree- some great articles! I went to college for illustration and I miss my classmates in my final year- we had established a great group of people that trusted each other and gave great constructive criticism. Here at work, constructive criticism is how we make our designs better- it's true about two heads are better than one. The important part is the constructive bit though. We follow the PPCO when evaluating stuff here at work.

Plusses - always start off on the positive!
Potential- what would make it even better?
Concerns- what needs fixing?
Overcome concerns- offer suggestions to overcome your concerns, or brainstorm.

I find that the PPCO is a great tool when offering constructive criticism.
~jenna