Constructive: “Serving a useful purpose; tending to build up.”
Criticism: “The act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything.”
Constructive Criticism
You’ve heard the term. As a leader, I hear it all the time.
If you’re a leader then you’ve certainly had people offer criticism. Some even say they are just giving “constructive criticism.” Or, they believe so at the time.
Most of my pastor friends have heard, “Pastor, let me give you a little constructive criticism.” (Sometimes just as they are about to deliver the weekly message.)
So, what does “constructive criticism” mean?
I’m thinking we often misuse that phrase.
And it’s not just with leaders. It’s in every phase of life. I think it’s a societal issue. It’s even on social media. We think we are offering “constructive criticism” when we update our Facebook status or Tweet about our service with an airline or a restaurant or a school system—for example. Or anywhere else we feel a need to criticize for some reason. We may not label it that way, but I’m convinced it’s what we think we are doing—offering constructive criticism.
In reality, I’ve learned that phrase—constructive criticism—is sometimes just a nice way to say, “I have a personal complaint about a personal issue, but it will make me sound less self-serving and more justified if I label it (maybe just in my mind) as constructive criticism.”
I have been thinking about that term lately. Even as I might use it personally.
First, let me be clear, I’m not down on constructive criticism. I think it’s good. And needed.
Using that definition (serving a useful purpose; tending to build up) constructive criticism serves a place within any organization—even the church. It can, by definition, help us all.
There is a place for constructive criticism.
But how can we make sure the criticism we offer is actually constructive?
And, what is it actually? I think that’s the bigger issue.
How do we know when it is “constructive criticism”?
And how can we give constructive criticism to others?
By definition, here are seven indicators of constructive criticism:
1. It builds up the body or organization for everyone. It’s helpful for the good of the entire vision. Everyone can benefit from constructive criticism.
2. It is not self-serving. It doesn’t seek a merely personal gain. Scripture makes humility an ideal, encourages unity among believers and commands us to consider others better than ourselves—even to pray for our enemies.
3. It offers suggestions for improvement. I’m not saying it does every time. Sometimes we just know something is wrong, but this would be an indicator the criticism is constructive (by definition).
4. It creates useful dialogue. Again, this may not happen every time, but if conversation can lead to the benefit of everyone, then it could be an indicator of being constructive—it helps build—construct.
5. It affirms others or the vision. Constructive criticism would never tear down the overarching goals and objectives of the body or organization. That would be counter to the definition. Criticism might, but not constructive criticism.
6. It can be realistically implemented or discussed. I’m just working with the term and definition here, so if the criticism is an impossibility—would never work—then it seems to me it isn’t “serving a useful purpose.” (Extreme example: I once had someone criticize my allowance of phones in the worship center. They thought I should be like a school teacher and take them up at the door. OK …)
7. It is not overly divisive. Constructive criticism serves to build up—not tear down, so to meet the definition it must not divide people as much as it at least makes an attempt to bring people together around common values and vision. Of course, that’s not always possible. It’s near impossible to get everyone to agree on anything, but constructive criticism doesn’t seem to be the type of criticism that would splinter the group's opinions or divide people extensively.
There’s my rambling thoughts on the issue. I’m all for offering better criticism. Constructive criticism.
There may be a need for non-constructive or destructive criticism sometimes. Jesus cleared the temple that way. We may need to clear some things. If so, let’s deconstruct.
But all I’m saying is—if I can attempt to constructively criticize the way some of us criticize—constructive criticism should live up to its name.
