“I have yet to meet the man, however great or exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than he would ever do under a spirit of criticism.”

Charles Schwab

It' s funny but few people I know have learned how to deliver criticism...

We learn by making mistakes. Simply watch a small child learning to walk. The best way to correct our mistakes is by finding something to praise before we are criticised. In this way people show faith, confidence and trust in our abilities and talents and we will be more willing to listen once we know the intention is to be helpful and constructive.

Praise works. Top football managers dish out praise and appreciation regularly and publicly. Genuine praise is not flattery. We are all more willing to listen to advice when we know the boss has faith in our abilities.
Chris