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Name of author Rick Baker, P.Eng.

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Communication Tip...or Warning: If you want to shut them down, put them down.

by Rick Baker
On Sep 3, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

When you have authority, most people shut down, in one way or another, in response to your criticism.

Maybe you want them to shut down?

Maybe you don't?

...what are you trying to accomplish with all that criticism?

Communication tip: Strange as it may seem, people shut down when they know you will put down their ideas.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 28, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Try putting an end to receiving input then vetoing ideas and shutting people down.

Even better, try putting an end to asking for input then vetoing ideas and shutting people down...that one really burns people.

 

 

When you criticize people you trigger their 'No' responses....and, at that point, constructive communication is over.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 28, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

When 'No' thoughts are filling the brain there is little room for 'Yes" thoughts. In fact, chances are 'No' and 'Yes' thoughts will not want to occupy the brain at the same time. They would rather take turns. And, for most people the 'No' thoughts are much more sticky. When they find their way into people's brains they stick there until they run out of reasons to defend and bolster the ego.

While 'No' thoughts are sticking around the brain, working away to defend and bolster the ego there is little, if any, opportunity for constructive communication...particularly communication involving the person who triggers the 'No' response.

Communication tip: Gather specks of agreement...make a molehill...and use it to construct a mountain of agreement.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 22, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Constructive criticism is an oxymoron. Rather than be critical of other folks...focus on the areas of agreement. Build on those areas. Help people feel comfortable. Change is only constructive when people are comfortable

Some folks are so brutal in front of faces they don't have to repeat themselves behind backs.

by Rick Baker
On Jun 27, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Constructive Criticism Is An Oxymoron.

When toxic people succeed in work environments that success is always short-lived...and the success comes at a high price.

And related to this...

If you feel compelled to repeat yourself make sure you don't do it behind people's backs.

And...

How is it that back-talk happens face-to-face?

Tags:

Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron | Humour | Thought Tweets

Beware Criticism: a dose of your own medicine could be a tough pill to swallow.

by Rick Baker
On Jun 23, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Most of us have heard the proverb "Physician heal thyself."

The moral of the proverb is fix your own defects before you criticize other people's defects

And the essence of this and other similar proverbs is constructive criticism is an oxymoron

 

Constructive criticism is an oxymoron: that's a rule to live by.

Tags:

Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron | Humour | Thought Tweets

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