&gt; It&#x27;s really hard to give any kind of critique that benefits someone without them and everyone around them being offended.<p>These days, now that people define themselves, people <i>will</i> have their identities wrapped up in the things they make and do. In that case, I&#x27;m not sure there&#x27;s a simple way to keep things from getting personal. That&#x27;s a job for a rabbi, priest, pastor, mentor, or counselor, not a boss or coworker.<p>See also: discussing politics, money, diet, weight, etc.<p>And, yes, I&#x27;m disappointed to come to that conclusion. It seems to mean that we have to continually &quot;handle&quot;, patronize, and manipulate people for the greater good. I&#x27;d rather treat everyone with respect and transparency. I also think I&#x27;m not particularly good at dissembling.