(1) In my opinion, the most effective way to provide feedback with both praise and criticism is to start with positive observations. This viewpoint aligns with Kelly’s argument that beginning with praise helps set a constructive tone for the feedback. (2) I would further argue that starting with praise can help make the criticism more palatable and lead to a more receptive attitude. (3) To be more specific, when you start by acknowledging a colleague’s strengths, it shows that you appreciate their effort, which creates an environment of trust and openness. Once the positive aspects are recognized, it’s easier to follow up with constructive criticism, as the colleague is more likely to listen and use it for improvement. (4) For example, my cousin Ethan, who works in marketing, recently gave feedback on a colleague’s presentation. He started by complimenting the clarity and creativity of the slides and then gently pointed out areas where the pacing could be improved. His colleague appreciated the feedback because it was delivered in a way that acknowledged the effort before focusing on areas for growth. (5) To conclude, starting feedback with praise helps build a positive and supportive atmosphere, making it easier for the colleague to accept and act on the constructive criticism.