Critical, harsh, and other things people call me

I am often asked for feedback. Sometimes the request is direct, as in "please give me your feedback on this". Other times, the request is somewhat indirect - "Here's the direction we're going - if you have anything to add, please let me know". Sometimes, I even offer feedback on papers or items I come across without even being requested. 90+% of the time, my feedback is words of encouragement or agreement, and possible mention of a few items that would make the work even better. If I don't agree with something, or think it's heading in the wrong direction, I have no problem voicing those thoughts either. Incidentally, although I don't do it on purpose, I think a minimum of a 90-10 ratio on positive to "constructive" feedback is beneficial in getting people to accept the negative feedback for what it's worth (95-5 may be better).

Recently I commented on a thread on our team about future direction for an internal leadership team. I knew I was heading in the right direction when someone told me my questioning was "harsh". I am a believer in constructive criticism and, in general, questioning the way things are done. Sometimes, offering blunt pointed feedback is the best way to turn something that is headed quickly in the wrong direction. This can be a fine line to contend with, and I recommend practice on a small scale before blasting the entire company on a contentious point.

On a related note, while typing the above, I was reminded of a discussion I had three or four years ago with senior management on my previous team. I responded to a point one of the leaders made (the specific point it irrelevant, but something I still stand behind). I was critical of the way something was carried out. I cited the reasons I was critical, and listed alternative ways the action could/should have been carried out. Our GM blasted me saying I was "overly-critical". To this day, I remember what I told him, and have repeated the phrase to many people since then.

It is my job to be critical. If you do not want me to be critical, I do not need to work for you.

Be careful using the above line - in the times I have used it, I have fortunately been greeted with nods of agreement. This is one of those fine lines that may just as easily backfire in the wrong context.

There is, of course, a big difference between questioning and constructive criticism and flat-out flaming. The method I prefer is:

• State what I think is wrong with the current solution or train of thought
• Rephrase the the criticism in another context - I don't see this as redundant, I see it as a way of making sure they see the criticism as an alternative viewpoint to consider, rather than an attack
• Offer solutions or alternatives
• Thank them for listening to the criticism. This sounds like hugging after a fistfight, but reiterates the fact that the criticism is a message for making things better, and not just a random rant.

I think far too many people get stuck in the "that's the way it's always been" mentality and don't bother to think if there's a better way. I think the most successful people in any field - whether it's software development, or cooking, or building houses requires a passion to improve, and passionate people are those who tend not to be shy when improvement opportunities are missed.

Comments

• Anonymous
  October 08, 2007
  A large part of my job can be summed up as "improving people" - either through individual mentoring,
• Anonymous
  October 08, 2007
  A large part of my job can be summed up as "improving people" - either through individual mentoring