The Complete New Manager

19 Criticize Without Criticism

As a new manager, there will be times that you’ll need to criticize your employees. You’ll dread it at first. But with practice it will become easier.

Dishing out criticism tests your communication skills. If you do it right, you can transform it from a negative, stinging message to an empowering, motivating experience for all involved.

Your tone and word choice drive your success. If you sound pained or exasperated, you’re already in a hole. Employees will sense your irritation and cringe in despair. And if you’re too abrupt, your criticism can come across as hurtful.

Choose words that fairly address the issue at hand. Avoid “always,” “never,” or “worst,” which overstate the case and cause workers to respond defensively. ...