Some people just can’t take criticism. And some people just can’t give it–not in a positive, motivating, mutually beneficial manner, anyway. That’s too bad, because criticism is essential to many aspects of business, such as performance appraisals, quality control, and team functioning, to name a few.

Indeed, there is now an abundance of empirical research indicating that giving and taking criticism effectively is a key attribute of effective individuals-at work and at home. Yet, there is an equal amount of data indicating that most people are inept at both giving and taking criticism, and consequently, experience negative consequences, such as being derailed at work or a home of conflict.

This empowering book helps readers take the sting out of criticism–and transform it from a destructive, demoralizing disaster into an energizing, educating experience that builds relationships and increases individual and organizational success. Using real-life scenarios and the author’s 21 tips to positive criticism, readers will learn to unleash the power of positive criticism so that it enhances their effectiveness in a variety of context, including team projects, performance appraisals, customer service, leadership development, and managing and supervising others.

“Highly practical…the author shows smart strategies for handling the most taxing “critical encounters,” ….provides the specifics for unleashing the power of positive criticism so that we can use it to enhance our effectiveness and the effectiveness of those who work with us.” - Publishers Weekly