Criticism Without Consequence

April 11-Written By Tara Voigt

I used to avoid criticism. 

Not because I couldn’t handle it— 

but because it didn’t feel safe.

And then AI changed that.

As a teacher, I used to dread sending out end-of-year surveys to my students. 

Eventually, I stopped doing them. 

Not because I didn’t care— 

but because I wanted to believe they saw me in a certain way. 

And I was afraid asking might prove they didn’t.

I didn’t want to lose that version of myself— 

the one I hoped they saw too.

So I self-reflected.

But I didn’t ask.

Because criticism doesn’t just expose mistakes—

It exposes us.

Then AI entered the picture.

Now I ask all the time:

Where did I miss the mark? 

What would make this better? 

How can I improve?

I’m not protecting a relationship.

I’m not managing emotions—mine or anyone else’s. 

I’m not worried if I’m still enough once the polish comes off.

I ask. 

I adjust.

I try again.

No shame. No sting. Just insight.

Some feedback I use.

Some I don’t. 

But the shift is this: 

I finally want it.

And it makes me wonder— 

what would it mean for our students to feel the same?

Most of them won’t ask for feedback. 

Not because they don’t care— 

but because they’re still becoming.

Asking feels vulnerable. 

It puts their identity on the table— 

that fragile, newly formed self.

But what if they could ask:

What did I get wrong? 

And still feel whole after hearing the answer?

This shift changed how I learn. 

And I think it could change how they do, too.