The criticism sandwich

[rubytue]

What do you use for the bread when there is almost nothing good to say (can't even honestly praise effort)?

[mbcdefg]

For what kind of situation? A coworker, friend, spouse?

Can you compliment the person's attitude or personality?

[heygrey]

Just pick anything that is better than the meat, even if its not that great. Or is there an area where you can compliment even a tiny bit of improvement?

[evans]

What is the goal of this criticism and what is your relationship? I think that depends on how hard I'd try to think of some fluff.

[halfpint]

Why do you need a "but sandwich"?

I think honest criticism/feedback is understood better without a "but you're doing a great job at xxx". It might be tougher to swallow, but when someone hears, "You're doing really well with xxx. But you need to improve at yyy. But great job with zzz!", they often hear much more of the praise than the need to improve. I'd keep them separate.

[CloudBee]

Cute earrings.
XXXX XXX
I like your cardigan.

LOL

[Deleted]

How about "I can definitely see you have your own style of doing things, BUT."

[genet313]

Jan 28, 2013 13:48:23 GMT -5 halfpint said:

Why do you need a "but sandwich"?

I think honest criticism/feedback is understood better without a "but you're doing a great job at xxx". It might be tougher to swallow, but when someone hears, "You're doing really well with xxx. But you need to improve at yyy. But great job with zzz!", they often hear much more of the praise than the need to improve. I'd keep them separate.

I completely agree with this.  I'd try to soften the blow of the critique in any way you can(but still, make it a constructive critique) than throw in some BS praise that sounds like it may not even be true.

[rubytue]

Coworker-like situation. External colleague actually. Not too worried about it bc she already dislikes me. So not so important to have an answer for this, just got me thinking.

[halfpint]

Jan 28, 2013 13:51:44 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Coworker-like situation. External colleague actually. Not too worried about it bc she already dislikes me. So not so important to have an answer for this, just got me thinking.

Yeah, if it's tied to a specific behavior, I'd just wait until the next time she does it, and then tell her you'd like to share some feedback with her.  Be as honest as possible, keep emotions out of it, and share an example of the behavior.  "When you do this, it causes this.  Do you think going forward you could do this instead?"  Present it as helpful, and that you're coming from a place of wanting her to be a better co-worker and employee.