How to Give and Receive Criticism Effectively in the Workplace

Criticism. The word itself makes people uncomfortable. It is not a surprise, then, that criticism is neither given nor accepted easily...or well. To be effective in the workplace, we need the skills to clearly convey thoughts, insights and feelings about changes suggested or required. That's criticism.

Criticism well-delivered and well-received is a shortcut to competence. Every good mentor knows this. In business, clear communication and effective conflict and anger management skills are essential. Feedback is key. In a recent survey in Working Woman magazine, it was reported that 48% of the 7,200 people responding said they suffer from a lack of feedback on job performance and 69% said they were sufficiently dissatisfied with the lack of feedback to be looking for another job. Feedback paves the way for positive change...when offered and received constructively. No one likes to be made wrong or feel small. No one likes to be an ogre or wimp. For twenty years, Dr. Rhoberta Shaler, seminar facilitator and executive coach, has helped workplace teams and leaders hone the skills necessary to share expertise and experience leading to excellence. Learn how to both give and receive information in acceptable, effective ways that move your achievements, your team and yourself forward now.

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize and avoid the five criticism 'don'ts.'
• Practice the five criticism 'do's.'
• Understand the key skills go-getters have that doormats don't.
• Prepare to give and/or accept criticism even when your knees are quaking.
• Avoid making criticism personal in the workplace.

Presented By:

Rhoberta Shaler, Ph.D

Dr. Rhoberta Shaler solves 'people problems' at work by making it easier to talk about difficult things. As a professional speaker, facilitator and executive coach, Dr. Shaler works with executives and entrepreneurs worldwide to enhance the communication skills essential to creating powerful conversations that reduce conflict & anger, build trust, and streamline negotiation. The rewards: stronger teams, optimized productivity and increased profits. Author of over a dozen books and audio programs, Dr. Shaler's new book, Wrestling Rhinos: Conquering Conflict in the Wilds of Work is receiving rave reviews for "teaching people to play nicely in the company sandbox." In July, 2005, she presented 'Managing Difficult People Effectively' at the Society for Human Resource Management's national conference. She is the founder of the Optimize! Institute in Escondido, CA. To receive her monthly newsletter, The Rhino Wrestler, visit her Web site.

Continuing Education:

• This program has been approved for 1.5 recertification credit hour toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage.