My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“If praise is affirmation, criticism is investment”
What It Means
Praise confirms what someone is doing right, but criticism invests in their future growth by showing areas for improvement
Why It Matters
Reframes criticism from negative judgment to positive investment, making it easier for leaders to give and receivers to accept
When It's True
When criticism is delivered thoughtfully with genuine intent to help someone grow
When It's Risky
When criticism is delivered poorly, emotionally, or without genuine care for the person's development
How to Apply
Prepare difficult conversations as investments in growth
Focus on helping rather than correcting
Balance criticism with praise to show complete investment
Example Scenario
“Instead of dreading telling employee they're consistently late, frame it as investing in their professional development and career success”