It can be daunting to correct someone, especially if you're in a professional environment. It's not uncommon for people to be overly defensive or apathetic when they're faced with criticism. So how can you best engage your coworkers to improve the quality of their work without offending them? Fortunately, there are several scalable ways to do this.
The first rule of thumb is to avoid the dreaded micro management. This is not to say that you should take a hands off approach when it comes to your coworkers, but it's not always the best thing to do. Instead, be sure to make a good impression by keeping your cool and using your brain. This will ensure you get the most out of your interactions with the people you work with.
A good rule of thumb is to use a positive mindset when correcting a colleague. This helps you avoid becoming a scapegoat for their mistakes. Likewise, you should be a proponent of open communication, rather than being a silent snoop. This will help you build a positive working relationship with your coworkers, which can result in a number of mutually beneficial projects and opportunities.
It's also important to remember to be courteous. If you're making a correction, make sure to explain your intent and offer up a suggestion or two for improvement. This is particularly important if you're attempting to work with a coworker who is a perfectionist. Similarly, if you're correcting someone's blunders, be sure to take them on the chin, and don't ever belittle or humiliate them.
The next time you're faced with a difficult coworker, consider the following six scalable ways to get the job done. It's also wise to bear in mind that different cultures have different sensibilities, so try to work with your global team for a more holistic approach.
The most important point to keep in mind is that a good correction can be a great opportunity to improve someone's work and a great way to build a professional relationship. It's a fact that most people will be hesitant to admit they made a mistake, so a quick and direct corrective message can go a long way. So, the next time you have to deal with a coworker's blunder, think of ways to improve their performance and you'll be rewarded in the end. This includes, but isn't limited to, re-organizing the office, instituting a more flexible work schedule, or taking a more proactive approach to addressing conflicts. This will prevent you from getting into a tiff over minor infractions, and help you build a more collaborative workplace.
The next time you are confronted with a coworker's misstep, think of how you could fix their errors and how you can help them learn from your own mistakes. This can be a tricky business, but it's one that should be worth the effort. With a little bit of forethought, you'll be able to re-build a better coworker in no time at all.