“Having spent a few weeks in a nearly all-female office environment, I see that criticism is delivered in subtler ways (whatever people’s impressions are of fashion editors, there is no shouting here). My favorite is what I call it the “criticism sandwich.” You’re probably asking yourself, “What is a criticism sandwich?” but I’m willing to bet you hand out or receive these sandwiches all the time without realizing it. The CS (for short) is best described in an example. Let’s say Jane wants to tell Sally that the presentation she’s working on needs a better introduction. If Jane used a CS she might say something like, “Sally, I loved the conclusion of your presentation, but the introduction needs some polish. And oh, what a cool necklace! Is it antique?” The only thing that Jane wanted to convey was that the introduction sucked, but by using the CS she gets her point across with less resistance (and fewer tears) from Sally.” - Stewart Bradley, on fashion and girls and the way they work together (plus a pretty precious mistake since we’re pretty sure he meant “vintage”) on ELLE.com.
2
posted by guest
Mar 12, 2009 11:18AM
Uh, Stewart? Do you honestly think that Sally is going to CRY because Jane thinks her work presentation needs a new intro? Why the f**k do you think Sally showed it to Jane in the first place? So they could giggle over it and braid each other's hair?
Oh, and what you're describing is called "passive-aggressivity", men do it too, and it's become the de facto means of communication in offices, fashion or otherwise.
4
posted by dumbbrunette5
Mar 12, 2009 1:56PM
I really don't see how just flat out telling someone that their introduction is bad could reduce someone to tears. If I were Sally I'd be happy that she went ahead and told me so that I could fix it. I think if you can't take even the slightest bit of criticism over your work without having it wrapped in compliments then that's just..sad.
6
posted by guest
Mar 12, 2009 7:04PM
what a tool! who the f*ck is this loser football player anyway? i've got a CS for you...... it's insulting enough that he is working as in intern for a fashion magazine, let alone spend his time checking out women's asses(oop's i mean joe zee) and giving his bullsh*t commentary on women's office behaviors.
8
posted by guest
Mar 12, 2009 8:27PM
Okay well, I for sure would be 1. too afraid to tell someone straight out that thier intro was bad, and 2. it really would hurt my feelings if someone told me the same thing without the sandwhich around it.
This whole cs thing is fine, because its not about womens rights, its about human kindness.
13
posted by disneyrollergirl
Mar 19, 2009 4:40AM
Isn't the CS something you learn on management training courses?
posted by guest
Mar 12, 2009 11:02AM
Im going to lose my lunch, this honestly makes me want to vomit.