Your colleague is making a mistake. How can you help them without being overbearing?

Always ask questions, to be sure that everyone involved is talking about the same thing. The beauty of asking questions in this type of situation is that it brings a collaborative nature to the conversation, which makes the colleague in question feel more invested and less accused. Definitely don't be the person or boss who specializes in "Ready! Fire! Aim!".

Discuss and try to find out from your colleague on their context first. Gather the facts sitting with them to avoid your bias. Most problems can be sorted out at this step itself.

It's always a good idea to take a moment to consider your colleague's perspective before offering feedback. They might have valuable insights you haven't considered. A great way to approach this is to first acknowledge their work and then offer your suggestion as an additional approach or resource. This shows respect and creates a collaborative atmosphere.

When providing feedback to a colleague, choose a suitable time and place for the conversation to ensure productivity and maintain a supportive environment. Consider their feelings and autonomy to make sure they are open to receiving feedback. This can help address mistakes and strengthen the relationship through mutual respect and understanding.

We say in Iran the Sanheddeutsch method: One to the shovel, one to the nail. The old ones hit the horseshoe when they shoveled one on the nail? because if they hit the nail all the time? the horse would be a freak. It's very effective for telling someone else sensitive points. Say a good one, then a bad one.

Empathy is a product manager's bread and butter. It allows us to understand the needs of both our internal stakeholders (like engineers and designers) and our external customers. When collaborating with colleagues, empathy helps us focus on finding win-win solutions, not winning arguments. By actively listening to their ideas and working together, we can create the best possible approach to solving a problem.

Approaching a colleague's mistake with empathy and support is key. Instead of directly pointing out the error, initiate a conversation in a non-confrontational manner. Share your experiences by highlighting instances where you've made mistakes, creating a relatable atmosphere. Offer assistance by proposing to collaborate on the task or providing resources that might help. Frame your suggestions as alternatives rather than corrections, allowing your colleague to choose the most suitable approach. Emphasize a desire to learn together and continuously improve, fostering a supportive environment for mutual growth.

Firstly, initiate a private conversation to avoid embarrassment. Gently express concern about the potential error, emphasizing collaboration rather than blame. Offer assistance by sharing relevant information or resources, showcasing a willingness to support. Frame suggestions as collaborative solutions, highlighting the shared goal of project success. Maintain a positive and encouraging tone to foster a constructive atmosphere conducive to learning and improvement.