In our culture, everyone seems to take the part of a critic. The tricky thing is that not many people understand the art of criticism that is constructive and helpful. More often, what we see or hear (or give 
) is generic, nit picking feedback that goes to the heart of the weaknesses.
So how can this be changed?
First, be careful who you share your ideas and work in progress with. Choose those people who you know will look at your strengths and help you build on those. Avoid like the plague those petty minded individuals who like to correct typos, run down your infant ideas or tell you your dream is impossible!
Second, when someone asks you for feedback, ask them what they are seeking. Do they simply want a sounding board, or a “mid-wife” to help them birth an infant idea? Do they actually need a proof reader or editor? When you know this, you can be honest in the spirit of their request.
Third, consider the notion that if you aim to build on strengths, either your own or another persons, there is encouragement and development and over time the weaknesses will diminish or disappear.
The unthinkable alternative, all too common, is that someone’s dream, idea or budding interest is stopped in its tracks, never to be aired again.
The answer: be a builder!
