r/technology • u/Choobeen • 9h ago

Society Research shows the 'compliment sandwich' is no longer effective - University of Western Ontario

https://phys.org/news/2025-08-compliment-sandwich-longer-effective.html
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u/Berova 9h ago

How about treating people like adults and maybe with some openness and honesty as well as a measure of consideration and respect for a change? Just come from a constructive place. Empty platitudes ring pretty hollow.

12

u/KyleJayyy 4h ago

That's what I was taught when I was becoming a manager. Just be direct and tell people how to improve without being a jerk. Forcing compliments with complaints teaches that you only compliment when complaining, and that sucks.

4

u/RotundCloud07 3h ago

Mmmm yeah this is how I’d feel I think. But also just general irritation at the “walking on eggshells” aspect of correcting something I’m doing wrong. I’m not 5. I won’t throw a tantrum, especially if you’re giving advice on or corrections on things I wasn’t aware were problems.

2

u/CotyledonTomen 44m ago

tell people how to improve without being a jerk

If thats what youre doing as a mamage, good. If youre just say that they have to improve though, like many managers, then that would be easily and rightfully be taken negatively.

As someone that reviews work, i have to include what some people did right with the editorial criticism, because despite not getting edits on 75% of their work, only noting what they did wrong and being quiet on successes makes them feel they failed.