When you're dealing with someone who only has a pair of underpants on, if you take his underpants off, he has nothing left - he's naked. You're better off trying to find him a pair of trousers to complement him rather than change him.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wenger argues that trying to strip someone of their flaws leaves them vulnerable; better to add positive traits.
- In plain terms
- Instead of criticizing someone's flaws, help them improve positively.
- What can you take from it?
- Build on strengths rather than just criticizing weaknesses.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you help others grow?
- Is criticism ever good?
Another view
Sometimes criticism is necessary for change.
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