Destructive Vs. Constructive Criticism: Learn to Tell the Difference

• Criticism comes in two forms: destructive and constructive. Both types of feedback point out our mistakes, flaws, or potential improvements.
• But while constructive criticism uplifts, offers suggestions, and even provides possible solutions, destructive criticism is cutting, derogatory, and sometimes even mocks our failures.
• Like it or not, we’re bound to receive both forms of feedback and can’t ultimately control what others share with us. But what we can control is our emotional response to criticism: A healthy response depends upon us learning self-acceptance.

Being able to tell the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism can begin by: 

• Doing a self-check-in before responding: If you automatically react defensively, you won’t be able to tell if the comment was destructive or constructive criticism.
• Evaluating the emotional state of the person offering criticism: Those who feel angered, insecure, or jealous are most likely to launch destructive criticism at others in an attempt to satisfy their own sour mood. 
• Considering whether they’re speaking constructively or destructively: Does their comment offer you a way to improve upon the issue they’ve pointed out?