TIL I was asking questions in a way that made people shut down

I was trying to get feedback on a new menu item at work, and I kept asking my coworkers 'What's wrong with this?' After the third person just shrugged and said 'It's fine,' my friend Sam told me, 'You sound like you're looking for a fight, not an answer.' I realized my phrasing put people on the defensive. Now I try to ask 'What would make this better?' instead. Has anyone else found a better way to ask for real, helpful criticism?

3 comments

3 Comments

leelewis1mo ago

Honestly, is this even a real problem?

thea_mitchell201mo ago

Well it's a huge deal for the people living it. Just because something doesn't affect you personally doesn't mean it's made up. The data shows it's a growing issue that's causing real stress. Dismissing it outright shuts down the conversation for those who need help. We should listen to the folks actually dealing with it instead of judging from the outside. Their daily reality is proof enough it's a real problem.

adam_thompson531mo ago

Seattle's data shows stress dropping 12% last year.

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