The Truth Doesn't Have to Hurt: How to Use Criticism to Strengthen Relationships, Improve Performance, and Promote Change

  • 4h
  • Deb Bright
  • AMACOM
  • 2015

Nobody likes criticism. Handled poorly, it too often stings and breeds resentment - and most of us try to avoid it at all costs. But criticism - crafted carefully and communicated skillfully - promotes trust and respect, motivates individuals, and serves as a catalyst for change. It has the ability to turbocharge workplaces and careers. If that sounds farfetched, it's because few understand how to properly give and receive the kind of critical feedback that brings positive results. The Truth Doesn't Have to Hurt rejuvenates this powerful but neglected art form. Executives, managers, team leaders - anyone who needs to temper praise with a dose of reality - will learn to: deliver the truth and have it taken as helpful; create an atmosphere of acceptance; avoid mistakes that sabotage an exchange; and control how they receive criticism so they benefit - even if it's badly presented. Ignoring problems or always saying nice things will only maintain the status quo. This research-backed book delivers proven techniques and tools for motivating people and triggering improvement - swiftly and painlessly.

About the Author

Deb Bright, Ed.D., is founder and president of Bright Enterprises, Inc., a consulting firm devoted to enhancing performance. Her impressive roster of clients includes Raytheon, Marriott, Disney, GE, Chase, Morgan Stanley, and other premier organizations. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.

In this Book

  • The Truth Doesn’t Have to Hurt—How to Use Criticism to Strengthen Relationships, Improve Performance, and Promote Change
  • Introduction
  • Criticism Doesn’t Have to Hurt
  • Criticism Manners: Common Mistakes, and Some Dos and Don’ts
  • Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance: Establish Clear Relationship Expectations
  • Delivering Criticism with Confidence in Sensitive Times
  • Receiving Criticism: You Have More Control Than You Think
  • Avoiding the Tendency to Personalize Criticism
  • Managing Work and Volunteer Teams: The Crucial Role Criticism Plays
  • Handling Difficult Situations

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