The Right Way to Tell Co-Workers They're Wrong

Bob Goldman on Feb 29, 2024

This level of public humiliation will destroy your work friend while making a great showcase of your management potential.

No. 3: Be matter-of-fact.

Taking a low-key approach to giving criticism has many benefits, not the least of which is keeping the object of your helpful criticism from hiding in the supply closet when they see you coming.

Alison Green suggests you "think of the tone you'd use to say, 'hmmm, the printer needs paper.'" Better yet, view your beneficiary of your criticism as if they actually were a printer. If there's a jam in their thinking, pound on the lid and replace their cartridges. As a last resort, pull the plug.

No. 4: Put the feedback in context.

There are certain words you shouldn't use, such as "doomed" and "major lawsuit" and "Chapter 11 bankruptcy." These words could be misunderstood, leaving the recipient of your criticism to believe you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

Assure them that you are taking a mountain and making a bigger mountain, and it's about to fall on them.

No. 5: Be clear about what should change.

Constructive criticisms, such as "I hate your face," are vague. Be specific.

If you can't criticize your co-worker's work, criticize their attitude. If you can't criticize their attitude, criticize their shoes. If you can't find anything to criticize, criticize their judgment.

They chose you to be a friend, didn't they?

No. 6: Be open to the other person's perspective.

Not everyone welcomes criticism, no matter how constructive.

If someone doesn't appreciate your willingness to spend your valuable time criticizing absolutely everything they do, no matter how trivial, from morning to night, even though no one asked you to, remember that some people can't be helped. They can, however, be gossiped about and reported to HR for a bunch of bogus reasons that will end their careers, fast.

And, really, isn't that what friends are for?

========

Bob Goldman was an advertising executive at a Fortune 500 company. He offers a virtual shoulder to cry on at bob@bgplanning.com. To find out more about Bob Goldman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.