When I was a supervisor, I had one manager who always complained about employees. One day I stopped him in the middle of a complaint, and told him I would only listen to his complaints if he first told me something good about the person first. Last complaint I got.
As a manager I read a book called The One Minute Manager. The gist of the book was to look for employees doing things right and complimenting them for it. In this way, positive behavior is rewarded and employees will do well in order to be complimented. Much better for morale when people look forward to rewards than uncomplimentary disputation.
What makes me sad that this manager apparently could not find even one good thing to say about anyone else there.
Awesome job on your part, Cameron!
I can't remember if it was in a class, seminar, or just a discussion, but somewhere along the line, I picked up the term, "compliment sandwich." The idea was that when you had to confront someone about something negative (often in a work setting,) start by complimenting something the person does well, then talk to them about the issue of concern.
But when the conversation ends, try to emphasize yet another point they are succeeding at -- and if possible, something different from the one pointed out before.
This is something I try to do in everyday life.
Though I do find it very hard to utilize on people who never see anything good in anyone else, or always see others as being below them.