Idea 88: How to give constructive criticism
He has a right to criticize who has a heart to help.
US President, Abraham Lincoln
The ability to accept, digest and act on constructive criticism is a sign of maturity. It is the insecure who ignore, deny or deflect accurate feedback when it is offered to them.
Here are some ground rules for giving constructive criticism.
Offer Criticisms in Private and Do Not Spread Them About
Nothing distresses people more than to be criticized in front of their colleagues or subordinates. Do it in private, and don’t talk about your conversation to a third party.
Avoid Long or Predictable Preambles
Avoid prefaces such as ‘Listen. There’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for ...
