How to criticise

It was developed by the Canadian Neuro-linguistic Programming trainer, Shelle Rose Charvet. It’s better than the “feedback sandwich”, which I find to be manipulative.

When you need to address a behaviour in someone who reports to you, call a meeting with them.

Explain why you called it – because of complaints or what you’ve seen yourself – and say you want to hear their version of events. This lowers the emotional temperature because they know they’ll be heard.

Having done that, and listened carefully, you:

1. 1. Make a suggestion for something they might try;
   2. Offer two reasons why it might work, ensuring:
   3. The first reason is something positive the suggested action would accomplish;
   4. The second reason identifies a problem it would solve or avoid;
   5. End with a genuine, encouraging comment.

It takes more thought than an angry rant, but it saves everyone’s face and gives them something to work with.