Most people have found themselves attempting to give constructive criticism, only to get on bad terms with the receiver. And while the other person could be hypersensitive to disapproval, there could also have been a few errors in delivery. To avoid burning bridges in the workplace and in interpersonal relationships, here are a few corrective guidelines to ensure that all criticism is heard correctly.
Get to the Point
Believe it or not, beating around the bush will only cause people to get confused and agitated as they attempt to dissect what is said. The best way forward is to spit it out clearly, and concisely. When done that way, the message can be taken for what it is without any misunderstandings.
Directly Identify the Issues
Saying things like “none of this looks good” or “this place is a mess” is sure to upset the subject. And while the statement might be valid, it is entirely too vague. Always speak directly to the problem so that the receiver knows what they’ve done wrong. Failing to do so might be mistaken as an attack. Try saying things like, “the breakroom floor was left sticky” or “jeans aren’t appropriate for these events.”
Follow Up With a Suggestion
Everyone has their idea of how things should be handled, but giving orders is not the best way to make people want to heed any advice. A more polite approach would be to offer suggestions to improve the situation. This will remind the subject that their best interests are at the forefront of the critique. So instead of saying, “that PowerPoint wasn’t impressive, say something along the lines of, “incorporating statistics and relevant studies will make the presentation more impactful.”
Never Tell Someone That They Are Wrong
No one likes to be told that they are wrong, especially since there are better ways of making that point. Being wrong is usually a matter of opinion, and the messenger will almost always come off as combative when using such rhetoric.
As it turns out, most people respect honesty, as long as the approach is tactful. These helpful tips will help any critic be received as respectful and constructive, no matter what they have to say.