Communication
The problem with being “too nice” at work (via TED)
Much of the feedback we get tends to be positive rather than constructive. It can feel awkward to give critical feedback; however, the author mentions some of her studies that show “anxious niceness” can also make others anxious. She proposes thinking of things in quadrants — from “please stop” to “keep at it” on one axis, and from “general” to “specific” on the other axis. It’s important when giving “please stop” feedback to provide a replacement behavior. For example, going beyond saying “You stared at the ceiling during your presentation” and adding “Can you make more eye contact with your audience?” That is, replace X with Y.