Criticism can prevent mistakes. It can never create value. Only ideas can do that. The two are not equal contributions, and most meetings get this backwards.
If you’re pointing out a problem without offering a path through it, that’s not contributing.
Or, in a more direct way: “offer potential solutions to problems you see”.
Frame concerns as conditions, not verdicts. “This works if we can solve X” is useful. “This won’t work because of X” is a conversation ender. One says “I’m on board if we can overcome this obstacle”, the other closes a door.
Usually I’d roll my eyes at this sort of “please mince your words”. But in this case it’s sensible; people get more or less motivated depending on how you frame things.
The most important part is hidden near the end:
Or, in a more direct way: “offer potential solutions to problems you see”.
Usually I’d roll my eyes at this sort of “please mince your words”. But in this case it’s sensible; people get more or less motivated depending on how you frame things.