Page 113 - The Apple Experience

criticism. I may be right in my criticism, but if I’m draining

their tank while I’m doing it, they may spend internal
emotional energy resisting, arguing, and not embracing the

criticism. Give receivable feedback.
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According to Thompson, praise should be offered in what he terms a

“criticism sandwich.” For example, a young basketball player keeps missing

three-point shots due to a lack of follow-through. A criticism sandwich

would begin by praising something the player is doing right. For example, “I

like the way you bend your knees, that’s where you are getting your power.”
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The praise could be followed by a constructive criticism, intended to help the

player improve in a specific area: “If you remember to follow through—do
the gooseneck—you’ll make more shots.” This would then be followed up

with more praise, like a sandwich: “I also like the way you keep your eye on

the basket after you’ve thrown the ball.” With this approach, the player gets

three coaching tips, with the criticism surrounded by two praises. It fills the

player’s emotional tank and helps steer the focus on improving, not

wallowing in frustration.

Thompson believes the average person feels underappreciated, and
surveys of workplace morale agree. Most people work hard but do not feel

acknowledged, leaving them demoralized and fed up. “But in an environment

where people are noticed for good things—or even for taking their best shot

if they fail—they’re more likely to be fired up!” says Thompson. A great

coach can turn an athlete with a lot of heart and a little skill into a standout.

Michael Jordan didn’t win a championship until Phil Jackson came along

(who, by the way, is a proponent for the Positive Coaching program and

serves as its national spokesperson) and helped Jordan become a champion

(six times)! Jackson used the same technique to help the LA Lakers win five
championships. He must have done something right. See yourself as a