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Leadership is not only about making decisions; it is also about how you deliver feedback. One of the biggest mistakes leaders make—sometimes without realizing it—is criticizing their team members in front of others. While it may seem like a way to correct mistakes quickly, public criticism often creates more harm than good.
1. It Damages Trust and Respect
When you correct someone harshly in front of peers, you risk making them feel humiliated. Instead of focusing on the lesson, they focus on the embarrassment. Over time, this erodes trust and weakens the respect they once had for you as a leader.
2. It Lowers Motivation
Public criticism is rarely productive. Rather than encouraging improvement, it often triggers defensiveness or shame. An employee who feels publicly embarrassed may lose motivation, become less engaged, or even withdraw from contributing ideas.
3. It Creates a Culture of Fear
If people see their colleague being criticized in front of everyone, they start to wonder: “Will I be next?” This fear stifles creativity and risk-taking. A culture of fear may bring short-term obedience, but it destroys long-term innovation.
4. It Damages Team Dynamics
Public criticism doesn’t just affect the person being corrected—it affects the entire group. Colleagues may feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even divided. Instead of teamwork, you create silent distance.
5. It Misses the Opportunity for Real Growth
Feedback works best in private because it allows for honest conversation. The person can ask questions, admit mistakes, and explore solutions without worrying about judgment from others. That safe space is where growth actually happens.
A Better Approach
- Praise in public, correct in private. Celebrate wins openly so the team feels recognized, but address mistakes one-on-one.
- Frame feedback as guidance, not punishment. Use constructive language that focuses on solutions, not blame.
- Ask before telling. Start by asking the person’s perspective—it builds ownership and makes the feedback more collaborative.
When leaders criticize in front of others, they might think they are teaching a lesson. In reality, the only lesson people learn is to stay quiet and avoid risk. True leadership is not about pointing out mistakes in public—it is about helping people grow with dignity.
