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And in notes meetings, everyone was so afraid of hurting…

“And in notes meetings, everyone was so afraid of hurting someone’s feelings that they held back. We had to learn that we weren’t attacking the person, we were attacking the project. Only then could we create a crucible that boils away everything that’s not working and leaves the strongest framework.” quote by Ed Catmull
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““And in notes meetings, everyone was so afraid of hurting someone’s feelings that they held back. We had to learn that we weren’t attacking the person, we were attacking the project. Only then could we create a crucible that boils away everything that’s not working and leaves the strongest framework.””

Ed Catmull

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Effective feedback must target the work, not the person, allowing teams to discard weak ideas and strengthen the best.

In simple terms: Critique the project, not the people.

Key Takeaway

Focus criticism on ideas, not individuals.

Themes

communication feedback team dynamics

Mood

reflective determined

Type

leadership team building

When to use this quote

  • product development
  • creative meetings
  • team retrospectives

Key Concepts

psychological safety constructive criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you separate personal feelings from project critique?
  • What practices foster safe, honest dialogue?
A Different Perspective

Feedback can be perceived as personal attack, causing resistance.

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