GIVE AND TAKE OF CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Preparing and Planning Choosing the time and place Repeated events or behaviors Gather facts Breaches in agency policy When informal feedback hasn’t worked Immediately after the occurrence When should feedback occur?

Case Study Joseph has been monitoring his employee, Susan, and notices that she has continued to be late to their weekly meetings. He also notices that even though she is late, she does contribute to the meeting and has her materials ready. However, her tardiness usually upsets the other employees and disrupts the presentation of reports that they have prepared. Joseph sent Susan an a few days before the meeting and reminded her that she is supposed to arrive on time and be ready for her coworkers’ reports. That week Susan was late for the meeting again. Afterwards, Joseph called Susan into his office and spoke with her about the problem. She had excuses, such as car trouble or broken alarms. Joseph reminded Susan where it is against company policy to constantly be tardy and reviewed the policy page with her, including possible consequences for continued behavior. At the following week’s meeting, Susan arrived on time.

Communication Is Critical  Practice your tone  Check the ego  Criticize in private; praise in public  It has to be face to face  Create a safe atmosphere

Communication Is Critical  Monitor body language  Check for understanding  Active listening  Diffuse anger and/or negative emotions  Document

What Not to Do  Attacking or Blaming  Not Giving Them a Chance to Speak.  Talking Down  Becoming Emotional  Always Keep Emotions in Check

During your session  Feedback “Sandwich”  Set SMART Goals  Be Collaborative  Ask for Their Input  Be as Specific as Possible  Ask for a Self-Assessment  Stay on Topic  Avoid “YOU” Messages  Document  Create an Action Plan KabobCriticism Kabob

After your session  Make Yourself Available  Be Very Specific with the Instructions  Provide Support and Resources  Focus on the Future  Measure Results

Was the plan followed? What plan of action was decided upon? What goals were set? What specific tasks were outlined for improvement? Was there a timeline in place and was it reasonable?

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