THERE’S A RECIPE FOR TACTFUL CRITICISM
BY ALLISON ROGERS
Could you imagine the chaos our world would be in if no one ever spoke their mind?
In the same vein, can you imagine the turmoil a business would suffer if no one spoke up to spur change?
Providing constructive criticism to a superior can be a delicate dance—one that many are afraid to choreograph. The fear of judgment is a large contributor to that fear, but sharing ideas is no more difficult than any conversation if you play your case right.
Others are afraid to share concerns for fear they’ll be labelled “not a team player” or as a troublemaker—but offering suggestions or constructive criticism is not the same as causing trouble, provided you broach the topic thoughtfully. Of course, it’s important to ensure your ideas are communicated in a respectful and professional manner, without frustration or finger-pointing.
There is a generic formula that can be used as a framework for these sometimes difficult discussions. The first step is to go in with a clear head—i.e., don’t let your frustrations bubble up for months, resulting in volatile disagreement no one wants a part of. Choosing the right time, or determining the headspace of your superior, is another crucial step. You wouldn’t want someone coming in and interrupting your lunch, would you? Would you start spewing a nihilist manifesto in the middle of the breakroom? That’s no way to make friends. Think more one-on-one meetings with your superiors and less full-on brawl on the bodyshop floor.
Take the same approach with the recipients of your feedback. Pick an appropriate time to address concerns—a morning check-in meeting, perhaps—and ensure all parties give their undivided attention. And don’t ambush people with negative feedback; it won’t get you very far. Focus on the facts and potential solutions. Blaming others is a futile play.
You must also remember that speaking up is not a one-way street. You are more than likely going to get a rebuttal from the receivers of your message, whether it be in agreement or otherwise. You must be prepared to keep a level head amid all outcomes. Nobody likes a tantrum.
In most cases, your employer values your opinions and ideas (if they don’t, well, you probably won’t hang around long). They hired you because they have faith in your skills and believe in your ability to contribute to the company. Whether you know it or not, you play a significant role in the success and overall functionality of your workplace. So, turn the megaphone to 10,000 decibels and get to betterment. Happy 2023!
