The John Adair Handbook of Management and Leadership

Chapter 8: Communication and presentation 193

4 Only of actions that can be changed

5 Without comparison with others

6 With no reference to other people’s motives

7 Without apology if given in good faith.

In receiving constructive criticism you should:

1 remain quiet and listen

2 not find fault with the criticising person

3 not manipulate the appraiser by your response (eg despair)

4 not try to change the subject

5 not caricature the complaint

6 not ascribe an ulterior motive to the appraiser

7 give the impression you understand the point.

In handling criticism you should accept it and not ignore, deny or

deflect it.

Managing meetings

Meetings are much maligned, but are they usually approached

and handled as they should be?

In general terms any meeting needs:

• planning


• informality


• participation


• purpose


• leadership
  if it is to work, and that is so whether the meeting is in committee
  or conference format.