Choose to Encourage

Encouragement works far better than criticism or, said euphemistically, “feedback.” Criticism causes resistance. Encouragement opens. It is the wiser, more capable part […]

Praise Early, Praise Often

We have also been taught not to praise. Maybe it’s supposed to spoil people or something. Regardless, we don’t do it enough. […]

Giving Feedback Well

One of the hardest parts of being a leader is pointing out how someone’s behaviors are doing damage or how their results […]

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Caring Critique

We can’t control how people will take criticism or feedback. Any prescription for how we do it (directly, indirectly, gently, or abruptly) […]

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Give Positive Feedback ASAP

As with negative feedback, positive feedback is best when we make it specific and deliver it as soon as possible. Positive feedback is […]

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Give Negative Feedback ASAP

Giving negative feedback is tough. None of us, really, likes conflict. Giving feedback or correcting can be so tough that we will go to great […]

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Five-Minute Feedback

Giving others feedback is one of the more difficult jobs of a leader. It can be so uncomfortable. We know we have […]

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The Best Way to Receive Criticism

Like buffaloes walking toward storms to reduce the duration of their exposure, we can best weather criticisms by heading right for them. […]