How Criticizing With Care Makes Leaders More Persuasive
Published in: Forbes — June 2025
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Summary
What we found: We found that leaders are more persuasive when they pair criticism with expressions of care for the criticized group—a strategy called dual concern. This approach reduces defensiveness and increases openness to change by showing the group that their wellbeing still matters.
Why it matters: In today’s socially sensitive climate, poorly delivered criticism can lead to backlash, reputational harm, and financial losses for organizations. Dual concern offers a research-backed way for leaders to voice important criticisms while maintaining trust and influence.
What next: Organizations and leaders should adopt dual concern messaging when addressing harmful behavior—whether internally in teams or externally in public discourse. Training leaders to express both honesty and empathy can enhance constructive dialogue, reduce resistance, and strengthen their credibility and impact.