It's not as daunting a task as you think to apply the tips you need to get the power of positive criticism. To illustrate the ease of application, study the following ''anatomy of a productive criticism,'' paying attention to how the criticism becomes more productive each time a tip is applied.
Your report is sloppy.
Your report needs to be improved.
I believe your data analysis could be more complete.
I would like you to include the Midwest projects in your data analysis.
I think the data analysis would be even better if you included the Midwest projects.
I think you will be in a better position to get your project approved if you include the Midwest projects in your data analysis of the situation because that will tell our clients that we have been successful on similar ventures. I am very impressed with your recommendations and analysis. I would imagine that you could do it in two or three days, and then we could go over it again. What do you think?
This last criticism is a far cry from the first. It applies many of the tips, such as:
Tip #14: Using the subjective mode: ''I think''; ''I would imagine.''
Tip #08: Stating the merits: ''Impressed with your recommendations and analysis.''
Tip #15: Giving the incentive: ''Get your project approved.''
Tip #09: Offering a solution: ''Include the Midwest projects in the data analysis.''
Tip #13: Setting a realistic time frame: ''Two or three days.''
Tip #17: Planning follow-up: ''We could go over it again.''
Tip #07: Involving your recipient: ''What do you think?''
Although the final criticism would qualify as being positive, there are many other ways of communicating the same information to the recipient. For example, the final delivery might be, ''I read the report, and I'm wondering if you think the Midwest projects should be included in the data analysis?'' The semantics of this delivery take criticism to task by inviting the recipient to explore on her own the benefits of including additional information. It is a ''softer'' presentation in that it does not flatly state that you think the information should be included. In fact, the phrase ''I'm wondering'' implies that you are not sure of your position (even though you might be), thus increasing the chance that the recipient will not hear the criticism as pointing out a flaw in her work. This delivery also calls for a response; it prompts a dialogue. If the recipient responds by agreeing with you, you complete your task by choosing a time frame for the addition. If the recipient's response is along the lines of ''No, I don't think so. Why do you?'' or even a flat ''No,'' you can proceed to mention some of the benefits of this addition, which you think will get the recipient to appraise the criticism positively. Note that in order to respond productively to the recipient's inquiry, you must be familiar with the same information that is contained in the first format (Tip #7 of the earlier list).
Which format is better? There are no specific guidelines except to consider whom you are criticizing, how he perceives you, and the history of your relationship. If the recipient tends to be defensive, the second delivery might be more effective. If the recipient holds you in high esteem, the first format would be better because it is more authoritative. It gives a concrete recommendation and specific reasons for change. If this is the first time you are criticizing the recipient, you may come up with a different delivery altogether.
In the end, it all comes down to knowing what you want to happen, thinking about how the recipient will respond, and figuring out how you can get him to respond productively. Doing so puts you on track for getting the power of positive criticism.