Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

Even skilled managers loathe giving critical feedback.

Keep in mind that telling someone they talk too much or they appear insincere is not mean — it’s helpful. Here are three ways to help make sure your feedback is compassionate, not just critical:

Ask permission. Start by asking “Can I give you some feedback?” This gives the person a moment to prepare and evens out the power dynamic.

Don’t hedge. Be direct and honest. Don’t try to couch the criticism in compliments — that only dilutes it.

Do it often. If you rarely give feedback, then pointing out any unconstructive behavior is going to feel negative.

Tell your people what you think — both positive and negative — to build an open and honest culture.

Today’s Management Tip was adapted from “Don’t Be Nice; Be Helpful” by Peter Bregman.

To read that article and join the discussion, please click here.