Appreciation vs. Criticism

Christian Jay R. Macasiog

According to our leader in the office, Ms. Jennifer G. Sotto, criticism is dangerous. It wounds a man’s precious pride, hits his sense of importance, and arouses his resentment. It is futile because it puts a man on the defensive and usually makes him strive to justify himself.

These words and advise from my superior made me realized that as professional working in a functional office of DepEd, we do not have to blame a person at once but perhaps one has to sleep on his grudge and cool off.

If we want others to have a chance to be better and to regulate, it’s fine. W hen dealing with people, let us remember that we do not deal with machines, the modern technologies like computers, cellphones, etc. We are dealing with creatures of emotions, prejudices, with pride and vanity. So, we must be tactful in dealing with them. The important thing that we must remember is that people like to be treated as individuals. Bear in mind the Confucious philosophy – the REN, “Do not do unto others, what you would not like to be done unto yourself.”

To deal with people, we must be friendly. Friendship is the number one factor in life. But we must be aware of these. As Confucious once wrote, “There are three friendships which are advantageous and three which are injurious. Friendship with the upright, friendship with the sincere, and friendship with the man of much observation – these are advantageous. Friendship with the man of specious airs, friendship with one with insinuatingly soft talk, and friendship with glib-tongued – these are injurious!

When we are right, let us try to win people tactfully to our way of thinking and when we are wrong – let us admit our mistakes quickly and with enthusiasm.

Let us be appreciative of one’s good accomplishments, and be understanding to the people around us.

Criticism should be constructively and tactfully given. Criticism, if constructively and tactfully given, will serve to encourage its recipient and spur him to a greater endeavor instead of dampening his spirit. It can be appreciated with gratitude by the one criticized instead of being resented if it is given graciously and sincerely with the good intentions.

When criticizing, one must be careful not to hurt the pride of the recipient and if possible, reserve your criticism for his ears alone so that he will not be humiliated in front of others. If one has been hurt, it will destroy good relationship.

Instead of belittling condemnation of one’s mistakes, give allowance and help him. Whenever he realizes that you have an interest in his welfare, he will value your opinion and respect you, as a real friend.

The author is ADAS

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III at Division of Mabalacat City