THE PM CHRONICLE

Tips for delivering negative feedback The best way to discuss someone's unacceptable performance is by being direct and by focusing on specific actions, advises management expert Thomas D'Aunno. He suggests addressing negative behaviors within 24 hours and being clear about the problems as you see them. It's also important to have a two-way discussion about solutions. "People are much more committed to their own ideas than to the ideas of others," he says. Forbes (11/23) How to build a more open-minded team Being a good manager means being open to criticism without becoming defensive, Iron Mountain CEO Bob Brennan says. He describes his approach to creating a work environment where team members focus on collaboration instead of authority. "You try to get defensiveness out of the system so that people are focused on achieving, learning and bonding," he says. The New York Times (free registration) (11/27)