Researchers found that on the highest-performing corporate teams, members gave 5.6 compliments for every criticism of their peers versus 2.8 criticisms per compliment on low-performing teams. Author Arthur C. Brooks, PhD, reveals the importance of feedback, whether positive or negative. When well thought out and genuine, both can be productive.
Source: Big Think, August 13, 2025. Link. Each of us can change how we give and take criticism in ways that will make us less likely to harm others, more immune to taking offense, and better able to benefit from feedback even when it is negative, writes Brooks.. He shares three takeaways from his book The Happiness Files.
- The quality of our relationships depends on the ratio of praise to criticism that is exchanged.
- The only way to flourish in a culture of criticism is to adopt new habits of getting and giving feedback.
- Done well, words of praise can be a soothing balm for human relations at home and at work.
Just as giving constructive criticism is no straightforward matter and requires skills and knowledge, so it is with compliments. Done well, words of praise can be a soothing balm for human relations at home and at work.” – Arthur C. Brooks, PhD