There is a fairly clear line between constructive criticism, and destructive criticism.  The result of feedback and criticism can often encourage a very positive change in a company's market behavior - or it might signal the time is good for a fundamental shift in product lines or business strategies.

Whatever the intent, positive or constructive feedback will normally promote goodwill, and strong bond between parties, and usually results in a condition that is better than prior to the feedback.

The San Diego Software Industry Council (SDSIC) hosted "Bulls Eye Night" on Tuesday evening.  The venue is in a very nice corporate board room, with the following players:

• A company prepared to give a 40 minute introduction or product presentation
• A panel of industry "experts" in marketing and sales
• A room full of people interested in learning from the feedback given the presenting company by the "expert" panel

I was one of the people hoping to learn from the experts (as well as do a bit of personal networking).

When I have attended fast pitch competitions sponsored by the Tech Coast Venture Group, the feedback provided by the "expert" venture capital panel members was very direct, impersonal, and while pointing out some obvious flaws - was generally very positive, leaving the audience and presenters with a warm feeling that these guys really care.  They gave the impression that each panel member really wanted the presenters to find a way to succeed, even if they did not agree fully with their pitch.

In contrast, Tuesday night's meeting was brutal.  The panelists each appeared to be vying for recognition as the local Simon Cowel of marketing and sales.  I am actually shocked the lady giving the presentation did not break down in tears following the critique.  Many of us in the audience wondered why the panel thought it was so important to levy such a complete character assassination on the presenting company - and why they did it in the presence of so many outside people.

Of course the real kicker came at the end of the critique, when of course a couple of the panel members indicated their own consulting companies might be of some use to the presenter and other attendees if we wanted to get our company story back in line...

Now the SDSIC is a wonderful organization.  In fact, I believe the whole community surrounding San Diego is very committed to helping build So. California as the national leader in innovation and high tech.  SDSIC does a tremendous job in bringing together meetings and venues that provide not only thought leadership to the community, but also outstanding networking opportunities.

Now my point.  You must obviously work hard to succeed.  Success comes from creative thinking, relentless evangelism and execution, and an insane commitment to customer service.  Darwin's theory of "Natural Selection" applies, where the strong survive and the weak are discarded.  However I also believe in a global economy, where we must also consider the cultures, people, and sensitivities of those from outside of our close circles, that success can also be nurtured with training and positive reinforcement of key success factors. 

You can face an issue such as last night's presentation by saying "your slides completely suck," or you can advance the topic with "let's try this approach and see if we can deliver a stronger message."  I personally respond better to somebody who wants to work with me, rather than a person who wants to mock me.

To be honest, the company did have some major flaws in both their presentation and business model.  And to be honest the panel did have the right list of those flaws.  And to be honest if the panel could have filtered the noise of their own egos and caustic message delivery to the presenter, we could have had a really, really great meeting.

I left the meeting angry, and during the drive from San Diego back to Long Beach I reflected a lot on how I would have provided feedback and a critique to the same company.  I would not put the presenter on the defensive during the first 10 seconds of the critique.  I would be very direct, but offer suggestions or new ideas on how their message/presentation could have been done better.   I would have developed the potential of either a working relationship with them, or ensure that we kept in touch professionally, as I also believe in the power of human networking.

The SDSIC organization appears to get stronger with every meeting I attend.  Their meetings are great, their topics are relevant, and the attendees are very interesting people.  Check them out if you are in San Diego and have some free time.  http://www.sdsic.org/