Criticism

A number of years ago I heard a preacher say that there is no such thing as constructive criticism. I firmly disagree with this sentiment.. even the bible contradicts that attitude when it says:
Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. (Proverbs 15:5)
I think that it takes a lot of wise humility to accept criticism or correction when it is earned and shrug it off when it is not. Here are a few quotes that speak to the topic of criticism:

Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. -Winston Churchill

He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help. -Abraham Lincoln
These quotes remind me of that time in early 1975 when I was changing jobs and cities.. I was moving from Newark to Houston.. I had spent the past three years working hard in Newark but my reputation was marred because of my trouble-making union activities. A few days before I left a supervisor pulled me aside and told me how, even though I was a top technician, my attitude had stifled advancement opportunities.. he simply told me not to make trouble in Houston.

Well, when I got to Houston I could not shake his criticism.. it was true.. I had a chip on my shoulder when it came to management. I changed. I was still involved in union leadership but with a totally different attitude. One and a half years later I was promoted to a computer programmer position in Kansas City. It was amazing.. by simply accepting criticism I had achieved a goal that had eluded me for many years.

How about you? Do you have any good or bad criticism stories?

5 comments:

  1. Good post Bob...

    When my long time friend and I were about 8 years old, we decide to have a "Constructive Criticism" Club ~ She began by telling me my teeth were yellow, and I responded that her hair was greasy...we both left crying and my mother gave me a spanking, and made me go and apologize to Kristi..... We never tried it again.

    In reality...it is a very necessary ingredient in life when done in love and grace and accepted the same way.

    LOL:Wanda

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  2. "Constructive Criticism" Club.. now that was just funny Wanda!

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  3. 'Club' has two different definitions - sounds like the girls chose the wrong one :)

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  4. To say there is no such thing as constructive criticism is bizarre. Sounds like someone who just doesn't want to be criticized.

    I can't imagine where I would be without constructive criticism. I have had to learn a lot both willingly and unwillingly that way.

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  5. I could not agree more that criticism is a necessary part of success. Almost every good and helpful thing I am today, everything of which I am proud, I am because somebody rejected something about me and I listened.

    Too many to list, but I'm with you.

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