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Criticism is a lousy strategy

2 minutes read

Tearing others down isn’t helpful.

Criticising someone else's efforts or lack thereof just isn't as helpful as you think it'll be. It's unlikely it'll bring about the change you want.

We live in a judgment-heavy world. When someone isn't meeting our expectations, our first instinct is usually to criticise. We think pointing out flaws will magically bring about change. That's rarely how humans actually work.

It's more helpful to educate and build them up. And that's true even if you have to do it over and over again.

Think about learning any new skill. Would you improve faster with someone constantly breathing down your back shouting what you're doing wrong? Or would you appreciate someone who shows you how to do things better, with patience and care?

If there's one thing I've learned in accessibility is that you have to be patient and persistent. With just these two qualities alone, you can win almost anyone to your cause.

People don't change overnight. Change is slow. Change is messy. Change requires repeated nudges. Sometimes you'll feel like you're talking to a wall. Ok, most of the times you'll talk to a wall. But those consistent, compassionate efforts add up.

The most effective way to help someone improve is to meet them where they are not where you are.

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