Critical Friend

Critical Friend

Small to medium sized business owners often benefit from outside support, an external perspective, somebody to confidentially share ideas, etc. As small business consultants we work closely with a number of business owners through the North West areas of Liverpool and Manchester, and have seen how the power of the Critical Friend and how it can improve decision making and performance both at individual and business levels. A Critical Friend is a small cost compared to the potential rewards that friend can uncover.

“A critical friend can be defined as a trusted person who asks provocative questions, provides data to be examined through another lens, and offers critiques of a person’s work as a friend. A critical friend takes the time to fully understand the context of the work presented and the outcomes that the person or group is working toward. The friend is an advocate for the success of that work”. Costa, A. and Kallick, B. (1993)

Critical Friend…

• Confidential
• External perspective
• Air ideas
• Business support
• Trusted advisor
• An accountability partner
• And much much more!

The Critical Friend as an accountability partner can be crucial in helping small business owners reach goals and maximise performance. Research has shown that 95% of business owners and managers achieve their goals when they have somebody holding them accountable, whereas only 43% achieve their goals and success without it. Deadlines can drift, focus can be lost, excuses can be made, etc, but being accountable can make all the difference.

Critical Friends can be difficult to find as friends give praise but often aren’t very good at criticising, whereas people who aren’t friends are good at criticising but not very good at being supportive. A John MacBeath; Professor of Education Leadership, Cambridge University explains this concept…

The Critical Friend is a powerful idea, perhaps because it contains an inherent tension. Friends bring a high degree of unconditional positive regard. Critics are, at first sight at least, conditional, negative and intolerant of failure. Perhaps the critical friend comes closest to what might be regarded as ‘true friendship’ – a successful marrying of unconditional support and unconditional critique.

Own a small or medium sized business in Liverpool, Southport, Preston Manchester or the surrounding area? Why not get in touch today to see how we can support your business?