What do you think when someone offers you constructive criticism? I know for me, I often feel judged and a little blindsided.

The problem with constructive criticisms is that they’re not about me.

Something is making them uncomfortable, and they’re trying to get me to change. In other words, it’s not about me.

The next time you have an urge to offer constructive criticism, try offering an observation instead. Observations contain no judgment or interpretation and leave the conversation more open to exploration.

Follow the observation with a powerful question like, “what do you make of that?” Then, stay curious and have a conversation.

You’ve got this.