How does one take criticism in the military?

2018-03-15T00:32:13-04:00

Recently, I asked some rather innocuous questions about benefits. For that venture into thought, I was dressed down. Some did this a bit more severely than others. However, the fact remains. The best way to handle a situation like that is to take it in stride. Ask yourself is this verbal encounter simply to tear you down or perhaps to toughen you up for when it really matters?

Never let someone else's words tarnish your own opinion. If you have a voice and a stance on something, yes, voice it! Be prepared to either defend it or at least to be able to consider another person's point of view.

Sometimes, you can be wrong. Guess what? Several people are wrong at one time in their life. Even the other side against your argument could be wrong. This is why it is important when facing criticism in the military to be brave and also to be strong.

The conviction to hold my head up high comes from my commitment to the United States of America. A great country where yes, we may disagree but ultimately the things we do agree will forever unite us against our true foes.

Heated arguments can be easier to deal with if you let your cooler head diffuse the animosity. By having compassion for the person who is criticising you, you open yourself up to hearing them properly and you also weigh their words as important. Often, someone yells or berates, when what they really want to do is say, "I need you to be better, not perfect"

Always remember that across branches, and even to our civilian allies, America 1st.

Response by SSG William Jones made Mar 15 at 2018 12:35 AM

2018-03-15T00:35:34-04:00

Humbly, if they outrank you!

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Mar 15 at 2018 12:58 AM

2018-03-15T00:58:02-04:00

Constructive criticism is a learning process. Teaches you to strengthen those area’s which are below or are endangered of being below standard… and allows you ample opportunity to correct such to a higher degree avoiding recurrence. Negative criticism is the weakness of a mediocre individual whom themselves are wavering from positivity and attempting to deflect their own shortcomings onto others.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 1:29 AM

2018-03-15T01:29:19-04:00

I really don't think that humans take criticism well.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Mar 15 at 2018 2:04 AM

2018-03-15T02:04:19-04:00

I believe that if you are unable to handle words, harsh or otherwise, then you probably chose the wrong vocation in choosing to serve in the military.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 7:45 AM

2018-03-15T07:45:27-04:00

A1C Williams-Having been criticized much in the course of my professional life (and some of it earned), I've adopted a "learn and live on" mentality. If someone points out an error in my logic, or facts, it behooves me to take that admonition, learn from, and live better for it. If, on the other hand, I receive criticism when I firmly believe I'm "in the right" on an issue...it all comes down to how much I'm willing to face towards defending that point. Some arguments are worth it...others, less so.

I found your earlier question to be a legitimate one, though I had different thoughts perhaps on the answers. I've asked questions, or posed comments on RP before that resulted in responses I may not have expected...and I've become a wiser person for some of it. We're all here to learn from one another.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Mar 15 at 2018 8:11 AM

2018-03-15T08:11:22-04:00

A1C Williams,
During my years in the military I had to face as most call it "constructive criticisms". I say that because you can make a difference between someone who just want to get on your nerves and someone who offers other ways to make yourself a better individual, intellectually and professionally. Nobody like criticism plain and simple, but sometimes we need that so we can reflect on ourselves...speaking in general terms. And you're right Ian, the minute we stop listening and yell at each other, we stop learning about ourselves and others. We live in a society where we constantly waiting for the other person to stop talking so we can reply back, instead of taking a moment and say, wait a minute, let me think about this. I had to do that several times in the military and in my personal life, and it is hard. But, how are we going to educate and develop ourselves if we don't receive these "constructive criticism" with open arms?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 8:24 AM

2018-03-15T08:24:06-04:00

I typically assume that people who can't express their opinions (or correct someone) without berating them have other issues going on in their lives. I try very hard not to lose my cool with people. It happens some and is even warranted some, but for the most part I try to stick to this Bible verse.

James 1:19b "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,"

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 8:40 AM

2018-03-15T08:40:54-04:00

Is it’s construtive like said prior humbly but if it’s rude and unprofessional remember rank or not we’re all human first

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 15 at 2018 8:49 AM

2018-03-15T08:49:09-04:00

Many people here who dish out criticisms of how others live or think are the easiest to trigger. The internet has given everyone the idea that their opinion matters and should be shared when realistically it doesn't.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 9:41 AM

2018-03-15T09:41:57-04:00

It depends on the type of criticism. If it's constructive and respectful, I'll keep my mouth shut and listen to it, then ask questions if I need clarification. If it's not constructive and/or respectful, someone is going to be getting told to pound sand.. of course varying levels of tact are going to be used depending on who it is..

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 15 at 2018 10:31 AM

2018-03-15T10:31:02-04:00

Don't recall seeing your original question, but if someone came down on you for asking it I suspect there was an axe to grind somewhere in their history. The fact that you were asking about benefits could give some the impression that is all you cared about I guess. I think I know you well enough to know that's not the case. Consider it a learning experience. During your career, especially in the flying world, not everyone is going to agree with or understand what you do or say. Brush it off and move on.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Mar 15 at 2018 11:08 AM

2018-03-15T11:08:45-04:00

No one likes criticism. However, it can useful in making ones self a better person. The trick is to be able to distinguish constructive helpful criticism from the useless bad criticism.

Generally, I welcome anything criticism that can help me be a better person and a better leader.

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made Mar 15 at 2018 5:10 PM

2018-03-15T17:10:09-04:00

People inevitably have different opinions on matters, but all to often in the military people are sacked or are berated by superiors and peers for simply making a suggestion or expressing discontent.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 5:26 PM

2018-03-15T17:26:26-04:00

Accept the ass chewing whether warranted or not. If not warranted then seek guidance from the next person in your chain of command. In the case of asking about your benefits as a service member, if it was an appropriate time for such questions and your got ripped a new one, then that leader failed you. There are so many benefits and entitlements across the branches that it gets confusing and many leaders only know the basics. However, we should always know where to look or who to ask to get the answers.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Mar 28 at 2018 10:51 AM

2018-03-28T10:51:10-04:00

A1C Ian Williams: I wasn't criticized often in the military; but, when I was criticized: it was pretty hard to take.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Oct 5 at 2019 1:09 PM

2019-10-05T13:09:53-04:00

Doesn’t seem like much of a leadership group, that’s what they’re there for. Certainly not on you, leadership Is there to help and guide junior enlisted, the failure is on them.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Oct 10 at 2020 7:29 PM

2020-10-10T19:29:35-04:00

Why should someone jump your shit if your asking a legit question? Sorry no, it’s not about rank but helping a subordinate. Imo that’s bs, the guys who jumped him should be embarrassed. Your an NCO your job is to help, and not be a dick. As many warts as the Marines imight bare Ive never had any complaints about my immediate supervisors, every one was completely professional and took care of their men. This imo is a complete lack of leadership, and there’s no excuses. If any NCO below company Gunny did this shit they’d be the ones standing on that carpet.