The Positives of Constructive Criticism

The Positives of Constructive Criticism There are quite a few things that have to be said about criticism at the workplace, especially when it comes to nurses. The truth is that a lot of people might actually spin it in the wrong way and see it as an attack. However, there are things about criticism that have to be mentioned and there are positives to be drawn even when someone is commenting your work or habits.

With this in mind, the first thing that you should try to understand is whether the criticism is constructive or it’s just a manifestation of someone’s ego and jealousy. If it’s the second case, the best thing that you can do is to leave it be without paying any attention. Maybe analyze the words and see if there’s something that’s true but in the most cases there wouldn’t. However, you also have to consider the fact that the criticism can actually be meant to enhance something that you are doing. It might be meant to point out a mistake or to tell you that you are doing something wrong. These are the words that you need to listen to carefully, put aside your ego, and take them by heart.

This is the so called constructive criticism. We want to lay special attention on it because it’s capable of bringing a lot of advantages. This is why we are going to lay some of the positive things that you should focus on when it comes to criticism which is meant to help you out. Let’s not waste any more time and go right ahead and take a look.

Related: The Evolution of the Nursing Uniform 1. Criticism is actually a form of communication If someone is critiquing the way you work or something that you’ve done, it simply means that he or she’s actually giving you feedback. This means that he’s taken the time to think about it and his sole intention is to help you achieve better results. In the field of nursing this is particularly important as the most tiny mistake can cause huge complications.

Take a moment to think prior to responding sharply like you would if it was just sheer verbal attack. This person is actually trying to help you out. Cast your ego aside and think about it. This is especially true if the criticism comes from a person who is more experienced than you – then you should really pay attention. This is an actual learning opportunity that presents itself rather rarely. In the majority of times people wouldn’t care enough to try and help. They would simply leave it be and be on their way. Take advantage.

2. It can help you enhance your performance If you think that you are always doing the best thing and that you are always right, you are most certainly on the wrong track. You are not always right. And, regardless how hard you try, you are not always doing the right thing. With this in mind, there are times

when people are going to come at you and say things that may even sound a bit offensive. This is, once again, feedback. Don’t spin it the wrong way, even if it’s intended to offend you. Don’t let anyone get to you but make sure that you draw the right conclusions.

Instead, take a closer look at what is it that the person has to say and try to get as much of it as you can. This is the only way to enhance your performance and to help people in a much more efficient way. Make sure to understand this.

3. Positive criticism makes you stop and think twice Constructive criticism can just as well guide you away from some particularly bad practices and navigate you towards better ones. You need to try and be as objective as you can and make sure that what you are providing as a service is bespoke.

Related: Top 5 Studying Mistakes Nursing Students Commit This can be very hard at times, especially if you are deeply involved in a particular case but if you can take only one step back and see what the person is trying to tell you, this is capable of significantly improving the way of work. This is going to eliminate negative outcome for the long term.

4. It can actually give you an edge If you can actually get a colleague or a patient to tell you what is it that he doesn’t like about the way you handle your nursing responsibilities, this might actually give you a clear edge. This is a chance to directly improve your services in a way which is going to be satisfying and effective.

Of course, not every constructive criticism is actually worthy of listening to. Even if someone means to do you good yet he fails to point out the right directions, you shouldn’t follow. Sure, you should draw the best conclusions and ensure that you are on the right track but the right track might not always be the one that he’s pointing you towards.

These are just some of the positives that come with constructive criticism. Keep in mind that this is, most of all, a regular form of communication and in the majority of cases it’s going to be up to you not to spin it in the wrong way. If you manage to stay objective, you’d be capable of drawing all the right conclusions and enhancing your nursing services significantly.

So, with this being said, cast away your ego and take a step back. Maybe the person across has a point. Maybe he’s actually better prepared and more educated than you in this particular subject. Or maybe he’s just been through this before and knows how to handle it. In any case, you are the one who should stay objective and don’t let silly things like pride prevent you from doing your job. You have the obligation not to take

things personally, especially when they are capable of helping a patient. Spend some time and investigate – see if the person actually has a point and if he does – make sure to take advantage of it. This is going to be beneficial not only for your patient but also for you. So, instead of questioning everyone’s motives make sure to think about what people have to say to you and draw only the best conclusions – that’s the only way you can grow as a professional.

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