The Constructive Criticism Sandwich
Today I would like to talk about a positive way to give someone constructive criticism. This is something that I learned back when I was a retail manager and it worked wonders for me. It was called the Constructive Criticism Sandwich.
Basic Principle
Step 1 - Start off with something positive.
Step 2 - Give feedback on the negatives in a constructive way.
Step 3 - Finish with another positive.
What This Does
Most people do not like to hear about the negative things that they have done, even when they say they are. We all tend to take a certain amount of pride in our work and its hard to hear that we need to improve sometimes.
Its too easy to fall into just pointing out the things that need improved and that can have a detrimental effect on who you are trying to help. By starting and ending with a positive, you lessen the blow of the constructive criticism.
Wrap Up
I had forgotten about this principle and found myself struggling sometime to help people when reviewing their sites. I was starting to feel bad at times about pointing out some things that could be improved and then I remembered this concept. So going forward I will work on providing better feedback by using the Constructive Criticism Sandwich.
Recent Comments
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I don't think you forgot about the principle entirely, James. Your criticism has always been constructive, as far as I have been able to see. Any time you have commented about my site you have given me things I can improve, and have done it in a way that makes me happy to see your input.
Bravo for making it a point here, and bravo WA for being the type of community that appreciates constructive criticism sandwiches. And now I am headed for the kitchen. I feel a bit peckish for some reason...
Great concept. I too, like most people, like to hear how well I'm doing. Recently I was given a kick-in-the-pants about my site. Did I need it? Sure I did! The person who commented used this principle, though I don't know if it was by design or not. I have sense used that feedback to make a total revision to my site and I am quite happy with the results. It all comes down to being nice, the way we would want to be treated. Thanks for sharing.
I agree SpiritRocker. Its best to approach offering criticism by keeping the treating others how we would like to be treated and the "sandwhich approach" takes some of the sting out of the "kick-in-the-pants."
This is a great concept. I learned it many years ago. I present what I like first then dive into what might be missing or grammar that needs to be corrected. Always end on a positive note. Thanks for sharing. Debbie
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good stuff Jadewa. Its easy to get negative and its easy for someone to take criticism the wrong way.