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The Creative Executive in Action - Part 4

In the case of a younger subordinate, it is every bit as important to build his courage and confidence as it is to increase his knowl­edge of the business. He must feel free of any fear of criticism. He must feel free to make mistakes, realizing that management will consider mistakes as experience, and that they are willing to pay for that experience as an investment in his future value to the company. This does not mean, however, that he should never expect criticism. Constructive criticism is how he will learn from his mistakes. It can build his confidence, pride, ambition, loyalty, and most importantly, his determination to do better. But it does place on the executive the burden of making sure the criticism is constructive, positive, and private.

One secret of making criticism constructive, other than think­ing it through well in advance, is that of trying to get on the other person's wave length. Try to see his point of view; imagine what you would want if you were the person receiving the criticism in this particular case. Mr. Fred Manchee, formerly executive vice president and treasurer of BBDO advertising agency, relates the story a friend once told him of an experience that changed the course of his business life:

"I was feeling pretty good," said the friend. "I liked my job, had a healthy family, good home. And there was a man I'd known for years, thought I knew pretty well. One day I found out what I had never known—that this man and his wife had a child who was a mindless lump. Every night of his life this man went home and helped bathe and feed the child. Never afterward did I forget that the man across the desk might be carrying a totally unbearable load. And that whatever I planned to say to him might be the last straw that would send him out the window!"

And it was Charles Schwab who said, "There is nothing that so kills the ambitions of a man as criticisms from his superiors. I never criticize anyone. I believe in giving a man incentive to work. So I am anxious to praise, but loath to find fault."

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