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Constructive Criticism

nasmoe

New member
Joined
Sep 15, 2008
Messages
78
MBTI Type
IXFP
Enneagram
5
I always thought that constructive criticism is just good for helping people build character and developing as a person and all, but I think there are different ways people go about criticizing someone constructively and some of those ways can do more harm than good. I wanted to see if anyone agrees with me.

My mother's always been in favor of constructive criticism and some of was good for me and other times it was just hurtful. My mom says I was always sensitive and I agree with her, but I think she could have been nicer about the way she criticized me. If you have a sensitive kid couldn't you find another way to criticize them constructively so that they would not feel like an outcast?

On top of some kids making fun of me when I was little, which is just an old case of kids being cruel and me being sensitive, my mom was also very mean to me when I messed up. Sometimes she would comfort me after wards and explain what she meant and that was fine, but other times if I didn't clean up or was lazy or when I started gaining weight etc., if she was frustrated enough she would just call me fat or no one would ever like me for how I am.

It made more defensive and made me feel so alone that eventually loneliness became my comfort zone and I just didn't care to be around anyone at all and I just became more reclusive as I got older.

So does anyone else think that some people need to be criticized differently, especially if they are little sensitive kids?
 

Alwar

The Architect
Joined
Jun 19, 2009
Messages
922
MBTI Type
INTP
Being mean or malicious is not constructive in general. Some people are more sensitive than others and you have to adjust your approach accordingly if your intention is to help them. Those with a weak sense of empathy cannot do this consistently and will always drive people away and hurt those who can't avoid them.
 

Kasper

Diabolical
Joined
May 30, 2008
Messages
11,590
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ENTP
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9w8
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so/sx
Constructive criticism isn't very constructive if the person receiving it is hurt by what is being said and therefore unresponsive.

I rarely approach two people the same. If I know they like bluntness then I'll give it straight but if there's a chance that would get their back up then I'll be more gently-gently and if I know they're sensitive I'll be sure to coat the 'must change' with 'but this part is good'. I would not recommend approaching an ENTP the same way you do an ISFJ if you want to achieve great results.

Imo constructive criticism is about results and should be phrased to achieve the best ones possible.
 

Synapse

New member
Joined
Dec 29, 2007
Messages
3,359
MBTI Type
INFP
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4
Its about diplomacy. Criticism, whether you call it constructive or not is good on occasion and helps to identify the areas that are lacking which is fair enough. The down side with that most criticism is personal and personal criticism then makes the criticized person instantly defensive whether well intentioned or not if the body language and tone of voice changes from the message of concern to one of attack.
 

Kasper

Diabolical
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The down side with that most criticism is personal and personal criticism then makes the criticized person instantly defensive whether well intentioned or not if the body language and tone of voice changes from the message of concern to one of attack.

I disagree with that part as it very much depends on the person, constructive criticism doesn't put me on the defensive. If something is valid I'll take it on board regardless of the delivery, if it's not I'll dismiss but I won't take it personally. Think this is where T and F have a big impact.
 

simulatedworld

Freshman Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2008
Messages
5,552
MBTI Type
ENTP
Enneagram
7w6
Instinctual Variant
sx/so
Constructive criticism isn't very constructive if the person receiving it is hurt by what is being said and therefore unresponsive.

I rarely approach two people the same. If I know they like bluntness then I'll give it straight but if there's a chance that would get their back up then I'll be more gently-gently and if I know they're sensitive I'll be sure to coat the 'must change' with 'but this part is good'. I would not recommend approaching an ENTP the same way you do an ISFJ if you want to achieve great results.

Imo constructive criticism is about results and should be phrased to achieve the best ones possible.

OH YEAH WELL PROVE THAT ENTPs EVEN EXIST

THAT'S RIGHT YOU CAN'T

MBTI IS A GREAT SCAM AND YOU ARE ALL BLIND

PLUS I AM WAY MORE INSIGHTFUL THAN YOU.
 

Synapse

New member
Joined
Dec 29, 2007
Messages
3,359
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INFP
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4
I disagree with that part as it very much depends on the person, constructive criticism doesn't put me on the defensive. If something is valid I'll take it on board regardless of the delivery, if it's not I'll dismiss but I won't take it personally. Think this is where T and F have a big impact.

I'm unsure about that. This is just from my families experience, who enjoy giving out criticism alot whether constructive or not. However when I make constructive recommendations its taken as criticism as much.
 

Fading Dead Star

New member
Joined
Jun 29, 2009
Messages
44
MBTI Type
ISFP
I practically break down inside when I'm criticised. Even if it's a joke I sometimes take it far too seriously. It needs to be worded very carefully with me.
 

Asterion

Ruler of the Stars
Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
2,331
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OH YEAH WELL PROVE THAT ENTPs EVEN EXIST

THAT'S RIGHT YOU CAN'T

MBTI IS A GREAT SCAM AND YOU ARE ALL BLIND

PLUS I AM WAY MORE INSIGHTFUL THAN YOU.

Nah ah, ENTPs exist if humans exist, and seeing as the definition of humans encompasses the things that we see around us and identify as humans, ENTPs must also exist. ENTP is also a way of thinking, and we think, therefore we exist, therefore ENTPs actually exist and you're completely wrong :happy:

But you're right cos you've got a good point, I hate it when people patronize you while they criticize. If it's not in public, criticism is tolerable, you are more aware of your own weakness when it's like that. I hate it when employers withhold feedback so that they don't have to deal with whiney sook attacks. I begged them to give me some kind of feedback once, strangely enough, they just didn't reply...
 

NewEra

New member
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Dec 21, 2008
Messages
3,104
MBTI Type
I
What exactly defines constructive criticism? Is it like 'you have to work on such and such' instead of 'you suck' ?

My dad criticizes me a lot, both constructively and not. By now I'm just used to it, and sometimes I listen, sometimes I don't.

Constructive criticism can be useful or useless depending on many factors: the person dishing out the criticism, the person receiving the criticism, the relationship between them, the accuracy of the criticism, the way in which it's told, etc.
 

Into It

New member
Joined
Aug 30, 2008
Messages
664
MBTI Type
ENFP
I think kids should feel proud for fucking up an honest attempt at learning or creation, so the learned behavior is perseverance rather than being able to glue macaroni to paper well. You're right though, I have been criticized in ways that were both true and agressive. The truth itself can be hurtful to realize sometimes, so if it will have this effect, the person offering the criticism should realize that and be as sensitive as possible without clouding the truth or endangering the results to be achieved through the criticism.
 

Amargith

Hotel California
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Nov 5, 2008
Messages
14,717
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ENFP
Enneagram
4dw
Instinctual Variant
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I prefer 'advice' :)
 

simulatedworld

Freshman Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2008
Messages
5,552
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ENTP
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7w6
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sx/so
Nah ah, ENTPs exist if humans exist, and seeing as the definition of humans encompasses the things that we see around us and identify as humans, ENTPs must also exist. ENTP is also a way of thinking, and we think, therefore we exist, therefore ENTPs actually exist and you're completely wrong :happy:

But you're right cos you've got a good point, I hate it when people patronize you while they criticize. If it's not in public, criticism is tolerable, you are more aware of your own weakness when it's like that. I hate it when employers withhold feedback so that they don't have to deal with whiney sook attacks. I begged them to give me some kind of feedback once, strangely enough, they just didn't reply...

NUH UH MBTI IS AN INTERNATIONAL CONSPIRACY THAT PUTS EVERYONE IN A TRANCE

TRUST ME I AM REALLY REALLY DEEP SO I KNOW THESE THINGS

YOU ARE BEING DUPED BY A CONSPIRACY PULL THE BLINDERS OFF YOUR EYES

SRSLY I AM SO DEEP

PEOPLE WHO USE MBTI LETTERS ARE EMOTIONAL MISFITS DEEP IN DENIAL ABOUT THEIR OWN TOTAL LACK OF EMOTIONAL ABILITY

THEY HAVE NO FRIENDS AND CANNOT RELATE TO ANYONE OR FEEL ANYTHING

GOD I AM SO DEEP AND INSIGHTFUL

(I SET UP THOSE STRAW MEN AND KNOCK 'EM RIGHT DOWN AGAIN!)
 
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