How to Offer Constructive Criticism

Most people have heard the statement made that there is no such thing as constructive criticism.

Criticism in any manner, shape, or form, will demoralize and de-motivate any employee. It highlights things they are not doing right versus putting spotlight on the things they are doing. This all sounds like marshmallows and smores when documented on paper, but just how does one go about correcting someone if they are doing something that is affecting the growth or the results of a company or business?

Use the sandwich method

The sandwich method is a good way to bring up something negative to a staff member or employee. It involves stating something positive first, then bringing up the negative thing that needs to be brought to their attention, and then finishing up the conversation on a positive note or statement about their work once again. So if you MUST criticize, make sure to praise the things they have been doing well, briefly but thoroughly state what they need to improve and then finish up by stating your full confidence in their ability to continue being big performer.

Criticize the action, not the person

This is management 101. Most people have a low self-image because they were put in the responsibility of people who didn't understand how important it was not to criticize individual people. Athletes will continue to complain about coaches who yell at them for making mistakes and employees will continue to complain about bosses for the exact same reason.

If someone makes a mistake, talk about the mistake. The person isn't stupid for making the mistake. The use of the word stupid puts more emphasis on the state of the person versus the mistake that was made.

If a job was mismanaged, then state exactly that the job was mismanaged. This makes criticizing easier and the person is more willing to accept the criticism because it has nothing to do with who they are as a person and everything with the project that they know they can do better on. In their mind it is much easier to fix a project than fix themselves.

Do it in private

Criticism for the most part is not bad at all. Most people really just despise being criticized in public. At all costs you should avoid reprimanding anyone in public or in front of anyone except the both of you. They will respect the fact that you thought enough of their self-respect to not criticize them in public. This will in turn make them more open to criticism in the future knowing that there ego will always be protected.

Evaluate your intentions

This is important as it will remind you that the reason you want to stop this negative thing from happening again is for the good of the organization and so they can improve. If you do not feel positive about giving criticism then you probably shouldn't.