Work advice: How to give a colleague constructive criticism

Careers expert Amanda Rose shares tips for raising work issues with a colleague without causing drama.

When it comes to giving constructive criticism to a colleague, remember you are on the same level so only ever give it if their behaviour is impacting you.

It is not your role to give constructive criticism on behalf of the boss.

The number one thing is to do it in private and in person.

You should also always consider what is going on in their life and career at that time.

It might be that something is influencing their behaviour that is not work related so have empathy when approaching that person.

Start with a compliment before mentioning anything constructive that is negative.

Do raise the issue in private. Don’t be aggressive about it. Picture: iStock

If you say “I don’t like how you do this”, they will be on the defensive.

Instead, say “Please help me understand why you approach it this way because it is having a negative impact on my team”.

Don’t be aggressive when you point things out and people will be more likely to open up.

Ask, “Is there anything I am doing that is impacting your team negatively? Let’s work together”.

If they don’t respond well, you can’t flog a dead horse.

If you go in there and do not ridicule or humiliate or attack them, but instead go in with a good heart and approach gently but they don’t want to listen and take it on board, you must walk away and never bring it up again.

If what they do keeps negatively impacting your team, you just have to take it to your boss.

Only go straight to the boss if there is bullying or threatening going on and you don’t feel safe to approach that person – that’s what bosses are for.

Amanda Rose recommends giving the other person the benefit of the doubt. Picture: Supplied

If the person you wish to give constructive criticism to is your superior, your approach may be different.

For example, if your boss is doing something you don’t understand or don’t like, ask them about it in private and give the benefit of the doubt that there is more going on than you realise.

Ask, “could you help me understand this because it’s not working for my team?”.

They might not know they were impacting you and have a good conversation about it.

If they do know and don’t care, its probably best you find a new job or boss.

Amanda Rose is a business consultant, workplace trainer, LinkedIn influencer and founder of six organisations – and now she is tackling your career questions for SMART Daily every Monday.

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Originally published as Work advice: How to give a colleague constructive criticism