How to Give and Receive Criticism

http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/mar2008/ca20080318_504987.htm?chan=careers_managing+your+team+page_teamwork

This article discusses the fine line between bad and constructive criticism.  It is described how badly criticism can come off because if self esteem is low then it makes a person feel even worse.  On the other hand, if someone is highly strung and criticized, then they start to question their ability.  Either way, the criticism being described is poor criticism.  This is bad.  A manager should never practice this because it has no beneficial outcome possible.  A manager needs to practice criticism that describes what a person has done wrong and how they can fix it.  This is good.  This way, an employee will come learn from their mistake rather than get down on themselves.  Criticism should also never be personal in the workplace.  There is no good that can come from this and would be truly unprofessional.  This would be ugly.

I believe managers today are starting to understand this concept, but their are still aggressive managers out there.  Unfortunately, they will experience the negative effects in their employees ability to solve problems.  As we learned in the leadership portion of class, a manager must try to lead by understanding his/her followers.

What do you think the proper way is to go about criticism?  Do you believe there is a good and bad form? Or is it all the same?

-Trey Tennell