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Name of author Rick Baker, P.Eng.

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Speak of the devil's advocate...better still, bite your tongue.

by Rick Baker
On Oct 7, 2020

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Constructive criticism is an oxymoron.

Devil's Advocates ... here's an excerpt from Wikipedia: "In common parlance, a devil's advocate is someone who, given a certain argument, takes a position he or she does not necessarily agree with, for the sake of argument."

Those words - "Devil's Advocate" have a nasty connotation....we should not use them or the practice they capture.

Instead, consider using a planned strategy for seeking different perspectives when large problems are to be solved and important decisions are to be made.

Try, for example, using Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats

Tags:

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

If you point out 1 error the person may accept your feedback. If you point out 2 errors the person likely won't.

by Rick Baker
On Oct 1, 2020

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Think about it: what's your tolerance for criticism?

[As you consider that last question...Never mind what your logical mind is tricking you into thinking: what's your emotional tolerance for criticism?]

How much would the average person tolerate?

This person right in front of you - the one you are about to criticize - what's this person's tolerance?

Regardless - whatever you do - don't choose to deliver your criticism in doses of 5 or 4...or 3...or 2. [Stop at 1 or, better still, don't start.]

People eat sour fruit sparingly. Yet they complain about it much.

by Rick Baker
On Sep 18, 2020

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Sometimes sour fruit is the best thing to consume. The British found that out several centuries ago and the practice of eating limes was encouraged by Scottish Dr. James Lind. He helped the British Navy understand limes and lime juice prevented sailors from the pain and suffering of scurvy. This fact was known prior to the arrival of Dr. Lind. And, the benefit of limes was well understood when he documented proof. Yet, the practice of eating limes to prevent scurvy was not adopted by the British Navy until some time later.

The first sailors who ate limes were ridiculed. By fellow sailors and pirates alike.

To this day the legacy of ridicule lives on in the form of a derogatory/racist ancestor of the word lime.

To this day, people resist when others try to force them to eat sour fruit.

So, take care when you try to unload sour fruit on your people.

Care taken while introducing sour fruit is inversely proportional to the amount of complaining that introduction generates. The greater the care, the lesser the complaints.

Even objective, well-intentioned, well-delivered criticism gnaws, rips, and tears into thin skin.

by Rick Baker
On Sep 11, 2020

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Criticism will always gnaw, rip, and tear at thin skin. That is a given. The only question is: how will the thin-skinned person react as the thin skin rips and tears? The natural reactions are fight & flight...aggression & avoidance. 

And, of importance – will ‘motivation’ get dragged into the bloody discussion after the ripping and tearing of thin skin? Sometimes it will. More often the thought will be there, but it will be unspoken. And, as they say, “It's the thought that counts.” I have strong views on ‘motivation’, and my strong views contain intolerance of those who blame others for the failures or the lack of motivation. Bosses have a tough enough job without having to bear the burden of every subordinate’s ‘motivation’.

Perhaps, complaining about other people is gratifying...perhaps, it satisfies a need?

by Rick Baker
On Sep 9, 2020

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Why do people complain about the actions of another person?

Presumably, the answer is - complaining about other people is gratifying, it fills a need. But, what exactly is that need?

And, does complaining about other people satisfy a single need? Or, does the need-satisfaction vary with the person who is the topic of complaint?

Self-monitoring: the next time you're about to complain about another person, stop and think. Ask yourself, "Why do this person's actions make me want to complain?" "What will happen if I delay complaining about this person for 15 minutes? Or, 1 hour? Or, 1 day?" "What gratification will I sacrifice if I delay or refuse to allow myself to complain about this person?"

Winners seek solutions and think of better places. Losers agonize over problems and fear uncertainty.

by Rick Baker
On Sep 3, 2020

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

The choice is yours.

Choose fixing the problem over fixing the blame.

Copyright © 2012. W.F.C (Rick) Baker. All Rights Reserved.