I don't like it when people approach me with 'constructive criticism'. Normally it means they are whining about something they don't like (want cheese with that whine?) It's annoying, primarily, because they don't have all of the information and are quick to point out faults but short on answers. The following story from FedEx CEO Fred Smith's Breakfast with Fred is perfect for understanding the real meaning of 'constructive criticism'.

When I got to be head of industrial relations in a shoe corporation (GENESCO), it was rather a large responsibility: twenty-six plants and six hundred stores.  I was still in my twenties and awfully cocky about the whole thing.  I had been there about three months when I recognized how lucky they were to still be in business until I could get there… in my opinion, it was poorly run.

I sat down and made a big, long list of all the things I thought were wrong with the business.  Then I went to see the President.  His secretary did something very cruel to me that morning…she let me in.

I said to the President, Maxey Jarman, “I have been here three months and I have been doing some thinking.”  I believe up to that point there was reason to question that.  I continued, “I have made a list of the things I feel are wrong with this company and need to be fixed.”

He said, “Fine, Fred, read them to me.”

So, I started reading.  About half way through, he stopped me, “That’s fine, Fred, but you do not need to read the rest of them.  I am in agreement with you.”  Then he said, “What are you going to be doing for the next three weeks?”

I replied, “My regular job.”

“No, no this is too important.  I want you to leave your regular job for the next three weeks.  I don’t want you to do another thing.  I just want you to write out on a piece of paper a better way to do everything that you have listed as criticism of our operations.”

Well, I straightened up to my full height and walked out under the door!

Three weeks later he called me in and said, “Let me read what you have written up about the better way to do things around here.”

I said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Jarman, but I do not know of any better way of doing any of these things on the list.”

Well, Casey lowered the boom!  He stuck his long finger in my face and said, “Look here, Fred, we are glad to have you in this outfit.  We want your suggestions, but don’t you EVER again criticize another thing in this organization until you have worked out on paper a solution on which you will risk your reputation that it is workable.”

He taught me a valuable lesson that day ---- one I have never forgotten.  Don’t criticize unless you can construct a workable solution….. that is constructive criticism.

And finally I like this quote from Seth Godin on leadership- "Everyone isn't going to be a leader. But everyone isn't going to be successful either. Success is now the domain of people who lead. That doesn't mean they are in charge, it doesn't mean they are the CEO, it merely means for a group, even a small group, they show the way, they spread ideas, they make change. Those people are the only successful people we've got. "

Good stuff.

rb