What is the best way to give constructive criticism?

The best way to give constructive criticism is to do so privately and focus on the behavior rather than making it personal. This approach allows the individual receiving the feedback to feel safe and valued, making them more receptive to the input. When criticism is given in a private setting, it reduces embarrassment and defensiveness, fostering a more open dialogue. By concentrating on specific behaviors that can be improved instead of criticizing the person, it encourages growth and development without diminishing the recipient's self-esteem. This method promotes a respectful and supportive environment conducive to improvement and learning.

Other options may undermine the effectiveness of the feedback: discussing criticism publicly could lead to humiliation, using humor might come off as insincere or dismissive, and providing vague feedback lacks clarity and doesn’t guide the person toward improvement.