The Power of Praise: Why Criticism Falls Flat

Have you ever been on the receiving end of harsh criticism? It stings, doesn’t it? It doesn’t just hurt your feelings; it makes you defensive and determined to justify yourself. This isn’t just a theory—it’s a well-documented psychological fact. Criticism rarely leads to positive change and often leaves a trail of resentment in its wake.

B.F. Skinner, a renowned psychologist, conducted experiments showing that animals learn more effectively when rewarded for good behavior rather than punished for bad behavior. Later studies confirmed that humans are no different.

When we criticize, we don’t inspire change; we provoke resentment. Hans Selye, another eminent psychologist, famously said, “As much as we thirst for approval, we dread condemnation.” This fear of disapproval can demoralize employees, family members, and friends, without even solving the problem at hand.

Let’s look at a real-world example. George B. Johnston, a safety coordinator for an engineering company in Oklahoma, had to ensure that employees wore their hard hats on the job. Initially, he enforced this rule with a stern approach, which resulted in grudging compliance at best.

Workers would often remove their hats as soon as he was out of sight. Realizing this wasn’t effective, George changed tactics. Instead of issuing orders, he asked if the hard hats were uncomfortable and reminded the workers gently of the safety benefits. This shift in approach led to better compliance without any hard feelings.

History is rife with examples of the futility of criticism. Take the notorious feud between Theodore Roosevelt and President Taft, which split the Republican party and altered the course of history.

Roosevelt’s fierce criticism of Taft didn’t make him see the error of his ways. Instead, Taft, with tears in his eyes, insisted, “I don’t see how I could have done any differently from what I have.” The criticism didn’t change Taft’s actions; it just deepened the rift between them.

So, what’s the alternative to criticism? Praise and constructive feedback. When we acknowledge the positive and suggest improvements kindly, we encourage better behavior without the baggage of resentment. Next time you’re tempted to criticize, remember George B. Johnston’s story and Theodore Roosevelt’s failure.

Choose encouragement over condemnation.

You’ll not only get better results, but you’ll also build stronger, more positive relationships.

Let’s embrace the power of praise and see how it transforms our interactions.

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