One Constructive Criticism, One Good Thing

Once in a blue moon, we play this game. It usually goes by the name “one bad thing, one good thing”. The “bad” thing is more of a constructive criticism. The idea is to give the other person something they can realistically work on. Each person gets a chance in the hot-seat, while the others take turns offering words.

As you can imagine, playing this with people you hardly know is no fun – as you haven’t known them long enough to share anything of value. So play with folks you know. Pay attention, you may be surprised at what is said, so it’s important to have a humble mindset. See the critiques as an opportunity for self-improvement, and don’t let the good things go to your head.

If someone is able to show me that what I think or do is not right, I will happily change, for I seek the truth, by which no one was ever truly harmed. It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance who is harmed.
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

You may be thinking, “what kind of person would like this game”? Well, welcome to my world – this game is like good therapy for me, like food for my soul. This last round, my unanimous criticism was “speak more clearly”, which is valid. My good things were “you’re a good listener” and “you make me feel welcome”.