The Art of Critiques, Part 2

My last post was about the art of critiques, specifically giving feedback to creatives.  This time, it’s the creatives turn: how to take crit and stay classy.  This comes from many, many years of personal experience having been raised by creatives and then going to school for it as well, but I’m sure there are plenty of tips to add.  The challenge is learning to take feedback in, with patience and full attentiveness without getting emotional or taking it personally.

Here are four things you can do to practice the art of critiques:

1. Assess the level of expertise of your audience

When receiving feedback, think about who’s talking to you before they start speaking. This is a little trick I do seconds before waves of feedback head in my direction. “This is coming from my mentor; I must really hear what he’s about to say,” is usually what goes through my mind before he makes  a suggestion.  But, just like tips for speaking in public, you have to pick what works best for you.  It also doesn’t mean you make assumptions about a person’s qualifications, or dismiss something from someone you think is unqualified. Gems of knowledge and advice can come from many unexpected places, quite often the most unexpected places. It simply means that you assess the information coming your way, and filter it so that you make the best use of the information. Trust your training, experience and knowledge to help you make the most of the critique.

2. Listen

We have two ears and one mouth for a reason, right?  It’s so we can hear well, but hearing doesn’t mean you’re listening. Do whatever it is you need to do so that you really listen to the feedback as it comes in. This might mean you record the session so you can hear the words again later.  This might mean you have to take notes so it sinks in.  It might mean you have to restrain your thoughts and mouth so that the person can actually get a word in.  Whatever it is you have to do, do it so that you can listen to what the person is saying.

3. Wait before you respond, and ask questions

This is an interpersonnal communications trick I learned somewhere along the way.  I think it was in college during my public speaking class. My teacher told us to wait 30 seconds after asking, “Are there any questions?”  That was the length of time it takes for someone to work up the courage to speak up.  How does it apply here?  If you wait before responding, you’ll help the person prividing feedback transition into the question round. If you jump in to add your two cents while he or she is still speaking, you’re interrupting.  You’re derailing that person’s train of thought.  Give them the respect and the time to finish their thought process, let it sink in, and then ask questions. 

4. Base the feedback on the original scope of work

Creatives, if you’re not requiring the use of a creative brief, then start today.  There are times where it’s not applicable, sure.  But it’s the type of document that helps protect you and your relationships.  Countless times I have had a project change shape just before a deadline. In fact, it happened to me very recently. It can seriously damage a relationship.  If expectations have changed, it means you can’t exceed the expectations.  If you document the original scope of work in some way, shape or form, then you’re more likely to succeed.  Give yourself the tools you need to do your job really well.  Because if you do the job really well, you’re likely to get another job and another one and another one. So, when you start to get this feedback, make sure it’s based on the original scope of work.  It’s unfair to creatives and clients alike to go through the critique based on expectations that have changed.

5. Don’t take it personally

Remember, this work is business. You’re a commissioned artist. Feedback should not be an attack on you personally, or the work you’re doing.  So, if it starts to feel personal, if you feel your blood pressure rising, take a deep breath first.  Take a deep breath, find a way to wait before responding.  Take a day if you need it.  Just don’t take it personally.  

Any additional tips?

There are so many additional tips on how to give and provide feedback successfully.  Feel free to add comments, or share your story.  I’m always interested in getting feedback since it’s the way we lead to improvements.