Business Quote by Peter Bevelin
““Praise by name, criticize by category””
About This Quote
Source Book: Poor Charlie’s Almanack, 2005
Separate specific individuals from broader groups when giving feedback, to keep criticism constructive and avoid overgeneralization.
In simple terms: Praise people directly, critique ideas, not whole categories.
Key Takeaway
Target feedback accurately.
Themes
communication
feedback
leadership
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- performance reviews
- coaching sessions
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
critical thinking
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure feedback is specific?
- When might group criticism be appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Over‑categorizing can damage morale; nuance is needed.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)