In the study of leadership, proponents of good leadership have coined the concept of ethical intelligence.

Ethical intelligence is a facet of emotional intelligence that concerns the capacity to recognize the difference between right and wrong, and to choose to do what is ethical in both personal and professional contexts. It involves an understanding of the impact of one’s actions and decisions on others and the environment, guided by principles of fairness, justice, and respect.

The PCP principle, or the “sandwich feedback” method, is a communication strategy used to deliver constructive criticism effectively.

As we may know, leadership entails the provision of guidance and direction with a view of achieving goals. Leaders are encouraged to recognize that their decisions and the way they are communicated will affect implementation. Keeping in mind the fact that all actors have a role to play in the attainment of success, empathy is an essential aspect of the process.

From my reading, the following is an example of how this communication strategy should be employed for effective results.

“1. Praise: Start with a positive statement about the individual’s work or behavior to establish a receptive tone. 2. Criticize: Provide the critical feedback or suggest areas for improvement in a manner that is direct yet respectful, ensuring the message is clear without being dismissive of the individual’s efforts or abilities. 3. Praise: End the feedback with another positive note or affirmation of the individual’s value to the team or organization, which helps to mitigate the potential sting of criticism and encourages a positive view of the feedback process.”

I look forward to hearing from colleagues their experiences with PCP.

Let’s share!