Say this whenever you give someone feedback

❓ Today’s tip: After you deliver constructive criticism, ask the other person, “What do you think?”

As Erin Zammett Ruddy explains in The Little Book of Life Skills, part of giving a meaningful critique is asking for the other person’s feedback on your feedback. “Show that you respect their autonomy and ideas,” she writes. “After all, if that weren’t the case, you wouldn’t be having this conversation with them in the first place.”

A technique Ruddy borrows from the executive communication coach Deborah Grayson Riegel: Use a question like “What do you think?” to turn your comments into a dialogue. By asking for their input, you’re creating a more equal dynamic, one in which you’re working together toward a common goal.

📚 More from Forge on giving and receiving feedback:

Three Words You Need For Your Next Hard Conversation
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How to Deliver Harsh Feedback to Someone You Respect
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Why You Should Hire Your Harshest Critic
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