Key Terms
KEY FEATURE
Team messages should allow the team to respond as a group; keeping everyone's ideas and opinions in the same message thr
Context
Cross-functional, team-oriented workplaces increasingly ask employees to provide feedback on colleagues, not just receiv
Use a long response when
The situation is complicated, the criticism requires a thorough explanation, or the stakes are high enough to warrant a
GUIDELINE
Receiving criticism at work is normal. Keep emotions under control.
LEGAL NOTE
If the criticism involves a product or service failure that could expose the company to liability, consult the legal dep
INFORMATIVE MESSAGE
Sharing of meaningful information in an unbiased, professional manner. Can be short or long, formal or casual, internal
TEAM-FOCUSED MESSAGE
Written communication designed to keep teammates informed, move projects forward, and build collaborative results.
CRITICAL MESSAGE
Communication involving judgment, evaluation, or negative feedback. Requires careful strategy selection (direct/indirect
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
Feedback structured to change behavior, not attack character. Behavior-focused, neutral tone, includes positives, sugges
DIRECT STYLE
Main point first. Used for neutral or expected messages.
INDIRECT STYLE
Context before main point. Used for sensitive or negative messages.
ACTIVE VOICE
Subject acts. Clear and direct.
PASSIVE VOICE
Subject is acted upon. Can soften or obscure responsibility.
TAKE CONVERSATION OFFLINE
Move detailed complaint resolution out of public channels. Standard practice for social media criticism response.