This is what we’re taught: make five compliments for every criticism, sandwich negative feedback with positive feedback on each side, the most important thing is to keep up someone’s self-esteem.
But, as Semmelweis showed, this is a dangerous habit. Sure, it’s awful to hear you’re killing people—but it’s way worse to keep on killing people!
Semmelweis did exactly what you're advocating and he was marginalized for it. Maybe he would have fared better if he was more conscientious of their feelings?
But, as Semmelweis showed, this is a dangerous habit. Sure, it’s awful to hear you’re killing people—but it’s way worse to keep on killing people!
Semmelweis did exactly what you're advocating and he was marginalized for it. Maybe he would have fared better if he was more conscientious of their feelings?