Last year I left my job. I had worked as a communications officer for 12 years and was offered redundancy. It was at the same time that my debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, had been snapped up in 8 countries (now 20!). Great timing, but so scary to make such a big change. I think I'm still adjusting.

One of the worst things (for me) about my previous job was how work appraisals always focused on work performance that you needed 'to improve on,' rather than recognising your strengths and building on these instead.

The problem is that not everyone is good at everything. Even though sometimes we feel we need to be!

It's something we do with our friends, family and kids, isn't it? We listen and encourage when they're good at something. We don't then list the things that they need to develop further! That would be silly.

Not everyone is great at maths, or sport, or art. And that's fine. It's absolutely fine to shine at some things and not at others.

When it comes to watching a film or reading a book, however, it seems to awaken an inner critic in most people. How easy is it to pen a few harsh lines about something that might be someone's dream, or even life's work? How much more helpful and encouraging it is to focus on what has been done well. Or to offer helpful thoughts. Just as you would do with friends.

Social media means that although people are miles apart, they're joined by just a few taps of the keyboard, or press of a mobile phone button. The people we may chat to, or follow, or admire, are reachable. I may be being idealistic, or it might be the way I've been brought up, but if you're going to pass on your thoughts or comments, it's just as easy to be encouraging as it is to be negative. It makes the person on the receiving end happier, and it will make you feel better too! Whether that's sitting with your manager, or employee, or friend. If you're penning a review about a film, book or play, or if you're assessing your own strengths. Be kind to yourself and others. Encouragement and positivity scores a 1, and negativity scores a big fat Zero.