Part Three, Managing Criticism: Asking for Criticism

by Gayle Hilligoss

Occasionally you may choose to solicit a specific type of criticism. Seeking the feedback of selected others helps you evaluate your own work.

• Choose wisely.

Ask someone who has the knowledge to make an objective analysis and the ability to be frank with you. The person who praises everything is not your best choice. But, don’t ask for honesty if you can’t handle it.

• Be clear about what you need.

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Perhaps you need feedback on an article’s content and style. Communicate that. Also, tell your mentor if your draft doesn’t need proofreading (spelling, grammar, syntax). Otherwise, valuable time and effort go toward what you don’t need.

• Ask early.

If you have a qualified person willing to critique your work, put your request in as soon as you can so she can fit into her schedule. The upside for you is that you can have the feedback in time to make the most of it.

• Be your own person.

Most mentors understand, and you must too, that while you value the input, the decision about what you do with it is yours. Weigh the advice, thank the adviser, but keep the work yours.
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