Criticism could be a helpful tool or a destructive tool; it
all depends on how well you package your criticism. If your intension is to be helpful, here are
some simple tips to help you package your intension so that the outcome is what
you are hoping for. If your intension is
to destroy the one you are criticizing, then do what you do best, no help from
me. I’m all about motivation and not
demotivation.
This technique of criticism is called The Criticism Sandwich
and it is very productive.
1) First, Start
with Something Good
Rather than
listing the reasons the leader’s plan is falling apart, start with something
affirmative. “I really like the approach here because it does X, Y, Z.”
2) Second, Add
the Criticism
After you’ve
put a good amount of effort into saying something positive, mention the issues
that need to be addressed.
3) Third, Add a
Positive Closer
Finally, once
you’ve finished the critical comments, top everything off with a positive
ending: “But again, I really think this is off to a good start, it just needs a
little sharpening.”
“It’s amazing
what a little positive at the beginning and end can do. Compared to being
critical, a criticism sandwich puts people at ease and makes them willing to
listen. People react against things they don’t want to hear. They shut down and
think about all the reasons why what you are saying isn’t right. They stop
listening and start arguing.” Jonah Berger.
By starting positive, when giving a criticism,
you circumvent the defensive reaction. You show people that you’re their friend, not
an enemy, and they’re more primed to listen to what you have to say.
A criticism
sandwich also makes the person leveling the criticism look better. Rather than
seeming like a Negative Joe Blow, they seem more like a Constructive Flomo, someone
who wants to help.
Making changes
can be difficult and are often not welcome by many. Help to make the process more comfortable and
accepting by the individual you are addressing.
Be sensitive to their feelings during your approach.
Good luck with
your criticism, hope you get the message across and it is fruitful.
Source: Jonah Berger Wharton Professor and Author of NYT Bestseller,
Contagious: Why Things Catch On
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