Every successful profession possesses unique qualities that contribute to its value and promise. In the field of criminal justice, one of our greatest strengths is our commitment to training. However, effective training requires more than just good material — it depends on motivated and passionate instructors. These individuals work tirelessly to connect with students on both an academic and personal level, a task far more challenging than it might appear.
A truly effective training class caters to diverse learning styles, acknowledging that students process information in different ways. Yet, it’s impossible for any instructor to achieve complete acceptance from every student. If instructors already face the inevitable challenge of not reaching every individual, why would a fellow instructor make the situation harder by engaging in “professional hate”?
Student vs. colleague perspectives
The possibility of a student disliking a particular teaching method will always exist. Students often criticize instructors extensively. For the most part, criticism from students can help build an instructor’s methods by providing feedback, which can later be addressed if the instructor deems it valuable.
However, it is especially frustrating when colleagues join in on the criticism. Why would one instructor criticize another? Better yet, why would one ridicule another? I often ask myself, “What has one or the other done to deserve the animosity — or, as I like to call it, ‘professional hate’?”
Professional hate
Professional hate between instructors is more common than you might think. When instructors believe their methods and techniques are the only paths to proper instruction or when they see something they disagree with, mockery — what I call professional hate — often becomes their approach.
In 2008, this type of behavior might have seemed insignificant. Fast forward to the present day, and gossip and personal opinions are rampant in the world of social media. This is why professional hate should be frowned upon among instructors.
A professional hate campaign from those within the profession — whether in law enforcement, corrections, probation, or parole — undermines efforts to encourage and enhance the field of criminal justice. Mockery, regardless of how highly regarded the mocking instructor may be, will never be an acceptable way to gain respect or support.
I have witnessed firsthand how instructors who promote professional hate tend to be the worst critics. They often express negative remarks, not only face-to-face but, even worse, on social media.
When professional hate, such as mockery of an instructor’s ideas or delivery methods, is shared on social media, the targeted instructor will almost certainly be informed of the remarks. Unfortunately, this often leads to negative thoughts, internal doubt and diminished confidence in the targeted instructor. Worse still, the instructor may fail to reach their highest potential, believing that the professional hate has spread widely within the criminal justice field.
How to handle “professional hate”
My best advice is to use professional hate as an advantage. Let it fuel your growth. Success provokes different reactions from students and fellow instructors. Some will celebrate your victories, while others may become insecure, jealous, or afraid of your success.
Understanding why other instructors harbor professional hate can be challenging. If you find yourself in this position, be the bigger person. React skillfully to criticism. Use professional hate to justify your goals. If any criticism holds value, research and personal development are crucial for growth as an instructor.
Fuel your passion and enthusiasm by learning all you can to refine and enhance your teaching. Do not conform to perceived beliefs or judgments. Think independently and be proud of what you have accomplished.
Find a mentor who can guide you. A good mentor will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and will equip you with knowledge and confidence. Professional hate, when used constructively, can strengthen your determination to improve.
Use professional hate to evaluate yourself. Understand that not all criticism is rooted in envy or jealousy. Sometimes, it is well-founded and can provide valuable insights for improvement. Evaluate constructive criticism and use it as a stepping stone to become a better instructor. At the end of the day, the person you need to satisfy is yourself.
Success secrets
I often recall Arnold Schwarzenegger’s rules for success, particularly Rule #4: Never mind the naysayers. Be proud of your accomplishments and find joy in your personal development. Every training class you teach contributes to the advancement of criminal justice.
If you are fortunate enough to connect with instructors who guide, encourage, and support you professionally and emotionally, embrace their lessons and insights. The best feeling of accomplishment comes from knowing you’ve positively impacted the field of criminal justice. Sometimes, all it takes is one student saying, “I loved the class, and I learned a lot.”
References
1. Tamrakar V. (2023, May 5). Dealing with Mockery: How to Respond in a Positive and Constructive Manner. LinkedIn Article
2. Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, July 31). How to Give and Take Constructive Criticism. Indeed Article
3. Riddle, J. (2017, March 1). All Too Easy: Spreading Information Through Social Media. UALR Article
