The Truth Doesn't Have to Hurt: How to Use Criticism to Strengthen Relationships, Improve Performance, and Promote Change

by Deb Bright

Nobody likes criticism. Handled poorly, it too often stings and breeds resentment-and most of us try to avoid it at all costs. But criticism-crafted carefully and communicated skillfully-promotes trust and respect, motivates individuals, and serves as a catalyst for change. It has the ability to turbocharge workplaces and careers. If that sounds far-fetched, it's because few understand how to properly give and receive the kind of critical feedback that brings positive results. The Truth Doesn't Have to Hurt rejuvenates this powerful but neglected art form. Executives, managers, team leaders-anyone who needs to temper praise with a dose of reality-will learn Deliver the truth and have it taken as helpful * Create an atmosphere of acceptance * Avoid mistakes that sabotage an exchange * Control how they receive criticism so they benefit-even if it's badly presented Ignoring problems or always saying nice things will only maintain the status quo. This research-backed book delivers proven techniques and tools for motivating people and triggering improvement-swiftly and painlessly.

Genres: Management, Leadership, Self Help

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

DEB BRIGHT, PH.D. is founder and president of Bright Enterprises, Inc., a consulting firm devoted to enhancing performance. Her impressive roster of clients includes Raytheon, Marriott, Disney, GE, Chase, Morgan Stanley, and other premier organizations.

Reviews

[Ariadna73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book on how to use criticism (even to give or to take it) in order to empower one's life.
The author used to be a diver, but she had to quit her career when it was driving her to lose her eyes. So she did the next best thing: she used what she learned about coaching to put together and teach a strategy to better take advantage of this universal feature of life.
I liked the language of the book: easy and to the point. The exercises are also interesting and the steps to follow to give or take criticism are clear and down to earth.
Here is the cover information of the book I read:

This is the table of contents. The book is organized in three easy parts: first to understand why criticism is important, the second one to learn how to use criticism to leverage control over situations, and the last one on how to use criticism for positive change.

In the introduction, the author tells the story of her failed life as a sportswoman and how she had to put herself together for another path. I couldn't agree more with the opening reflection: "

"The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than seved by criticism." -Norman Peale

[image error]

Another thing I liked of this book is the clarity that the author used to state her unique goal with this book. She put it in simple words: help improve your life by giving and also but receiving criticism in a correct manner.

Enjoyed this easy recall of reasons why criticism is stressful at work and what are the common mistakes that givers and takers make most frequently

Following are two very well put flow diagrams on how to communicate (give or take) criticism

Here is another fantastic quick recall for taker of criticism:

Here is some advice for employees:

In conclusion, I liked this book, and it was a nice surprise to enjoy such an entertaining writing style from a book intended to be all hands on self help.

I also have a blog! Here is the link: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com

[Sarah-Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for work, and found it interesting (for all aspects of life), insightful about our behaviour, and competent in giving advice about change and supporting this advice with case studies.
Although it is aimed towards an office environment, I think it's an important read as a human being, and recommend it.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it really had a lot of really good useful information in it. It did feel a bit like something I would read for my business classes (for better or for worse) rather than something that's really a 'fun' read

[Hafiz Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as a summary on getabstract.
Good read to learn how to give critical feedback and how to absorb.

[Mohammad Alhudaib · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had good tools and frameworks for giving and receiving criticisms.

Full of examples and stories which make understanding the concept easier.

[Tina Panik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly written and well organized. This book will help you communicate in your professional life, and, in turn, improve your daily life. Very helpful.