The “C” Word

Following a recent keynote speech someone in the elevator at the conference center commented to me that one of the items she found valuable was the idea of never using the word “criticism.”

In the workplace we have an obligation to help our peers, direct reports, and even supervisors to improve team performance through feedback. Too often these conversations start with the words “constructive criticism.”  Recipients of these words almost always will put up their self-defense barriers resulting in a high anxiety conflict bearing conversation that neither party enjoys or finds beneficial. Think constructive feedback or even coaching, but don’t think or say criticism.

Make feedback work for you and for your team!

- DEG

Communication and Trust

Often businesses report that they have a problem with communication. They strive to understand why their employees do not communicate effectively. Pondering the situation they believe employees simply do not wish to communicate effectively or perhaps the employees do not understand the importance of information transfer. In many of the cases employees lack trust in their peers or worse yet in their superiors. Effective communication requires trust and a balanced flow of upward and downward communication. How is the communication climate in your workplace? Do the employees trust each other?