Constructive Criticism

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: June 26, 2005 - 11:00 PM

In 20 years as a production supervisor for a large Twin Cities advertising specialties company, John Coffey received his fair share of constructive criticism. He also offered plenty of thoughts to those he managed – not all positive.

No one wants to hear they are not performing or doing things the best way possible, but Coffey knows the long-term benefits of constructive criticism outweigh the short-term disappointment that bad news may bring.

"Constructive criticism is often the little reality check and wake-up call that we need in order to alert us to the fact that some things are just not right and need to be changed and improved upon," says Coffey, who is now a career counselor with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Coffey says constructive criticism should not be taken personally – the goal is to improve your ability to do the job you're assigned to do, which will ultimately be a positive for everyone in your organization.

"Constructive criticism is good because, as difficult as it is to hear, sometimes it gives us the opportunity to make corrections, improve and move on to the next level of professionalism in our careers," says Coffey. "Without these types of criticisms we tend to become complacent in certain areas and think everything is going just fine."

Here are some tips on handling criticism:

• Take a deep breath and accept what colleagues have to say in the context in which it is given. This is always easier said than done but is very important.

• Learn to accept opinions from co-workers – not just superiors. Coffey says he doesn't believe it matters who it comes from as long as it is presented in such a fashion as to try to help create improvement. But there can be a very thin line between cruel and unusual criticism and constructive criticism.

• Handle it professionally. It can only serve to help you improve if you take it as intended, make adjustments as needed and move on.

"This is all part of being a professional in the workplace, regardless of what your position is," says Coffey.

This is a weekly column devoted to career betterment.Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, MN,and has seven years of experience reporting on the employment industry. E-mail questions or subject ideas for this column to AskMatt@startribune.com.

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