The Power of Positive Criticism

Chapter . Tip #18: Know Your Criteria for Criticizing

Two experts in the field of criticism, Aristotle and Plato, advocated that a good critic bases his opinions on a specific criterion. I would have to agree and I am sure you would, too. Indeed, you would be a rare manager if you never had any debate over what is a good performer, what is a good organization, what is a good manager, etc. Similarly, you would be a rare employee if you did not, on several occasions, question the criteria used to evaluate your worth or, for that matter, even understand the criteria that were being used.

The concept of having criteria—reference points for judgment—is an integral part of criticism because it underlies your rationale for formulating your evaluation. ...