ALT-1 Reasons People are Critical in the Workplace
Handling the various aspects of the workplace can be challenging to say the least but there are some behaviors cause more friction than others. There will be times when the behavior of co-workers is highly bothersome and causes waves in the workplace. One of these especially difficult behaviors to handle is criticism. Dealing with ongoing criticism can create high amounts of tension and friction in the workplace.
No matter how good a workplace is and how well managed the office, there will be some forms of criticism involved. It is important to remember that there are two forms of criticism: constructive and destructive. Constructive criticism involves the intent to assist and raise up others. The goal of constructive criticism is to help others. Many times constructive criticism is taken the wrong way with the wrong spirit. Destructive criticism is given with the intent to tear people down and cause friction. The following are some suggestions on why co-workers become critical in the workplace.
Personal nature
There will always be people who are constantly critical because it is a part or their personality. People can be highly critical of everything and everyone because they know nothing different. Criticism has become apart of who they are not just what they do. Some people naturally have a critical spirit because they have continually been surrounded by criticism.
Their two major causes of people becoming critical: nature and nurture. Some individuals are naturally critical because it becomes ingrained on their lives. Something in their natural makeup shifts them to be highly critical. Other individuals are critical because of their form of nurture. Nurture is simply the impact of environment on an individual. The reality of the personal environment shapes the life and the attitude of the person. There are people who have experienced so much criticism and have been criticized so frequently that it becomes a part of them. Many times these people falsely believe criticism is a way of life.
Personal pain
Pain is often a cause of major emotional issues and can drive a critical spirit. People who are living with a deep level of personal pain will naturally inflict pain and hurt on other people. The old saying is unfortunately true: misery loves company. Miserable people want everyone to know they are miserable or what everyone else around them to the miserable as well.
Dealing with pain often causes people to do unusual things. Pain is a way of distorting the reality of life and causes these people to behave in ways that makes no logical sense. Pain creates a wicked backlash that causes people not only to hurt others but also them selves in the process.
Personal insecurity
There are individuals who seem to be living in a state of ongoing insecurity. Insecurity simply living with a sense of chronic instability in life. People who are plagued with insecurity often feel they are constantly treated unfairly or try to overly compensate by being outgoing to an extreme. Insecure people are highly focused on themselves and their needs while they ignore the needs of others.
Insecure people often cause their own problems because they emotionally self-destruct. Often those who are highly insecure will sabotage others in the process because they can not deal with the success of others. Insecure people automatically distrust others and find reasons for lack of trust. Integer people will not only short circuit themselves but will create an environment where distrust will be paramount. People who are unable to handle their insecurity will disrupt, distort, and destroy a work environment.
The first step to understanding why coworkers are so critical is to look at the nature of each individual. Understanding the personal nature of coworkers opens the door to greater cooperation and connection. The second factor in understanding critical behavior of coworkers is personal pain. A coworker who is in pain is more likely to create problems and cause division of the workplace.
Finally individuals need to understand the ramifications of personal insecurity. Insecure coworkers will always develop feelings of inferiority and create the spirit of distrust. When dealing with critical coworkers, understanding is highly important. Take a few moments to better understand coworkers before passing judgment.
