If You Must Criticize an Associate
Here are some suggestions for giving criticism in a way that motivates others to do a better job.
See yourself as a teacher or coach -- as being helpful. Keep in mind that you're trying to help someone improve.
- Show you care. Express your sincere concern about sharing ways the other person can boost his or her success.
- Pick the right moment to offer criticism. Make sure the person hasn't just been shaken by some incident.
- Avoid telling people they "should do such and such" or "should have done such and such." "Shoulds" make you appear rigid and overly concerned with formal rules and trivial points of learning.
- Avoid giving the impression that you're more concerned with seeing your recommendations put into practice than in helping the other person improve and succeed.
- Show how the person will benefit from taking the actions you suggest.
- Give specific suggestions. Being vague might only make the situation worse by creating anxiety and doubt.