Opposite of “blaming people”
My girlfriend is currently writing an appraisal for work but I was wondering if there was a word/phrase that convey what she is thinking better. She wants to say that while some people like to criticise and blame when others make mistakes, she is the opposite. She has come up with the following:
"acting with integrity/helping others rather than blaming others"
It seems a bit clunky with a repetition of "others" and the forward-slash may seem to show a lack of thought. Upon googling "opposite of blame" and some thought, I have come up with some words and phrases:
- non-judgemental
- positive reinforcement
- highlighting issues and putting suggestions forward
- mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn (although this seems to suggest mistakes made by yourself)
I was wondering if anyone had any helpful suggestions/comments on this. I am looking for something more concise and something that upon reading, is easily understood.
Thanks in advance!
phrase-requests
edited Dec 5 '12 at 3:27
JSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
asked Dec 4 '12 at 21:30
Kel196
258210
add a comment |
My girlfriend is currently writing an appraisal for work but I was wondering if there was a word/phrase that convey what she is thinking better. She wants to say that while some people like to criticise and blame when others make mistakes, she is the opposite. She has come up with the following:
"acting with integrity/helping others rather than blaming others"
It seems a bit clunky with a repetition of "others" and the forward-slash may seem to show a lack of thought. Upon googling "opposite of blame" and some thought, I have come up with some words and phrases:
- non-judgemental
- positive reinforcement
- highlighting issues and putting suggestions forward
- mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn (although this seems to suggest mistakes made by yourself)
I was wondering if anyone had any helpful suggestions/comments on this. I am looking for something more concise and something that upon reading, is easily understood.
Thanks in advance!
phrase-requests
edited Dec 5 '12 at 3:27
JSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
asked Dec 4 '12 at 21:30
Kel196
258210
4
She shouldn't credit herself with the phrase acting with integrity: it's too self-serving, self-promoting, & patronizing (by criticizing others "who don't have as much integrity" as she believes she has). "Helping others rather than blaming others" can be cut to "helping rather than blaming others". Here are some more phrases: "by seeing everyone's mistakes (mine included) as opportunities to learn rather than to simply pass judgment, generate guilt, & punish"; "by calmly discussing missteps & misunderstandings"; "by motivating others to 'do better next time'."
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:01
If you type "how to offer constructive criticism" into a Google search window, lots of interesting hits appear on top, & none of them are YouTube videos of weirdly named singing groups, at least, not on my PC: YMMV.
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
Thanks Bill, those are some fantastic comments and feedback. Appraisals always seem to be an articulation minefield where you want to sound positive about yourself without making yourself sound like a fool!
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
2
"You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," a relevant expression goes. A recommendation to critics is: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." And the uniquely-qualified speaker chose not to.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 4 '12 at 22:32
add a comment |
My girlfriend is currently writing an appraisal for work but I was wondering if there was a word/phrase that convey what she is thinking better. She wants to say that while some people like to criticise and blame when others make mistakes, she is the opposite. She has come up with the following:
"acting with integrity/helping others rather than blaming others"
It seems a bit clunky with a repetition of "others" and the forward-slash may seem to show a lack of thought. Upon googling "opposite of blame" and some thought, I have come up with some words and phrases:
- non-judgemental
- positive reinforcement
- highlighting issues and putting suggestions forward
- mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn (although this seems to suggest mistakes made by yourself)
I was wondering if anyone had any helpful suggestions/comments on this. I am looking for something more concise and something that upon reading, is easily understood.
Thanks in advance!
phrase-requests
edited Dec 5 '12 at 3:27
JSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
asked Dec 4 '12 at 21:30
Kel196
258210
My girlfriend is currently writing an appraisal for work but I was wondering if there was a word/phrase that convey what she is thinking better. She wants to say that while some people like to criticise and blame when others make mistakes, she is the opposite. She has come up with the following:
"acting with integrity/helping others rather than blaming others"
It seems a bit clunky with a repetition of "others" and the forward-slash may seem to show a lack of thought. Upon googling "opposite of blame" and some thought, I have come up with some words and phrases:
- non-judgemental
- positive reinforcement
- highlighting issues and putting suggestions forward
- mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn (although this seems to suggest mistakes made by yourself)
I was wondering if anyone had any helpful suggestions/comments on this. I am looking for something more concise and something that upon reading, is easily understood.
Thanks in advance!
phrase-requests
phrase-requests
edited Dec 5 '12 at 3:27
JSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
asked Dec 4 '12 at 21:30
Kel196
258210
edited Dec 5 '12 at 3:27
JSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
asked Dec 4 '12 at 21:30
Kel196
258210
edited Dec 5 '12 at 3:27
JSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
edited Dec 5 '12 at 3:27
JSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
edited Dec 5 '12 at 3:27
JSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
48.1k13141199
asked Dec 4 '12 at 21:30
Kel196
258210
asked Dec 4 '12 at 21:30
Kel196
258210
asked Dec 4 '12 at 21:30
Kel196
258210
258210
4
She shouldn't credit herself with the phrase acting with integrity: it's too self-serving, self-promoting, & patronizing (by criticizing others "who don't have as much integrity" as she believes she has). "Helping others rather than blaming others" can be cut to "helping rather than blaming others". Here are some more phrases: "by seeing everyone's mistakes (mine included) as opportunities to learn rather than to simply pass judgment, generate guilt, & punish"; "by calmly discussing missteps & misunderstandings"; "by motivating others to 'do better next time'."
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:01
If you type "how to offer constructive criticism" into a Google search window, lots of interesting hits appear on top, & none of them are YouTube videos of weirdly named singing groups, at least, not on my PC: YMMV.
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
Thanks Bill, those are some fantastic comments and feedback. Appraisals always seem to be an articulation minefield where you want to sound positive about yourself without making yourself sound like a fool!
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
2
"You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," a relevant expression goes. A recommendation to critics is: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." And the uniquely-qualified speaker chose not to.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 4 '12 at 22:32
add a comment |
4
She shouldn't credit herself with the phrase acting with integrity: it's too self-serving, self-promoting, & patronizing (by criticizing others "who don't have as much integrity" as she believes she has). "Helping others rather than blaming others" can be cut to "helping rather than blaming others". Here are some more phrases: "by seeing everyone's mistakes (mine included) as opportunities to learn rather than to simply pass judgment, generate guilt, & punish"; "by calmly discussing missteps & misunderstandings"; "by motivating others to 'do better next time'."
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:01
If you type "how to offer constructive criticism" into a Google search window, lots of interesting hits appear on top, & none of them are YouTube videos of weirdly named singing groups, at least, not on my PC: YMMV.
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
Thanks Bill, those are some fantastic comments and feedback. Appraisals always seem to be an articulation minefield where you want to sound positive about yourself without making yourself sound like a fool!
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
2
"You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," a relevant expression goes. A recommendation to critics is: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." And the uniquely-qualified speaker chose not to.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 4 '12 at 22:32
4
4
She shouldn't credit herself with the phrase acting with integrity: it's too self-serving, self-promoting, & patronizing (by criticizing others "who don't have as much integrity" as she believes she has). "Helping others rather than blaming others" can be cut to "helping rather than blaming others". Here are some more phrases: "by seeing everyone's mistakes (mine included) as opportunities to learn rather than to simply pass judgment, generate guilt, & punish"; "by calmly discussing missteps & misunderstandings"; "by motivating others to 'do better next time'."
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:01
She shouldn't credit herself with the phrase acting with integrity: it's too self-serving, self-promoting, & patronizing (by criticizing others "who don't have as much integrity" as she believes she has). "Helping others rather than blaming others" can be cut to "helping rather than blaming others". Here are some more phrases: "by seeing everyone's mistakes (mine included) as opportunities to learn rather than to simply pass judgment, generate guilt, & punish"; "by calmly discussing missteps & misunderstandings"; "by motivating others to 'do better next time'."
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:01
If you type "how to offer constructive criticism" into a Google search window, lots of interesting hits appear on top, & none of them are YouTube videos of weirdly named singing groups, at least, not on my PC: YMMV.
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
If you type "how to offer constructive criticism" into a Google search window, lots of interesting hits appear on top, & none of them are YouTube videos of weirdly named singing groups, at least, not on my PC: YMMV.
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
Thanks Bill, those are some fantastic comments and feedback. Appraisals always seem to be an articulation minefield where you want to sound positive about yourself without making yourself sound like a fool!
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
Thanks Bill, those are some fantastic comments and feedback. Appraisals always seem to be an articulation minefield where you want to sound positive about yourself without making yourself sound like a fool!
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
2
2
"You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," a relevant expression goes. A recommendation to critics is: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." And the uniquely-qualified speaker chose not to.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 4 '12 at 22:32
"You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," a relevant expression goes. A recommendation to critics is: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." And the uniquely-qualified speaker chose not to.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 4 '12 at 22:32
add a comment |
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
In the context of your question, "support" seems to be an appropriate counterpart to "blame." If that makes sense to you, then consider The word "bulwark," a synonym of support, which has a useful meaning that deals specifically with conflict situations where one person strives to solve the conflict instead of lay blame.
Bulwark (n): any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt.
The word itself is a little clunky, but if your girlfriend is the person to offer support and encouragement, this word could serve your need.
In terms of working for the good of the group and avoiding petty disputes, you can call her a "collaborator."
collaborator (n): to work with another or others on a joint project.
As attributives, both of these could concisely describe her assets.
Good luck.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:02
tylerharms
6,83753061
Thanks @tylerharms, some very insightful and positive comments. Bulwark is a new word to me, but does seem to convey the attributes we are thinking of.
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:34
I've heard the word bulwark several times – in the second line of Hedge's translation of Luther's famous hymn. I can't remember if I've heard it outside that context, though (at least, not until I just read tylerharms' answer).
– J.R.
Dec 4 '12 at 22:40
1
Your definition not withstanding, I'm not sure bulwark really fits here. A bulwark is a wall for support or defense- something to keep between you and your enemy/attacker/foe. Any metaphorical meaning derives from that, so that your person giving strong support or encouragement is meant to be from the viewpoint of someone who gets in the middle and takes the brunt of the blame, while saying, "that's okay, don't worry about it, shrug it off etc." Bottom line- I would not put it on a resume or appraisal.
– Jim
Dec 4 '12 at 23:19
@Jim: Well, if a person stands up for someone blamed, I think the word is approppriate. I disagree that must absorb, in this case, blame. I would argue that the broadest sense of the definition is a "protection against", and the use in context is of a person who protects against the petty finger-pointing that hinders people from achieving goals. A person who stands up for this might have to stand in the middle of an argument and calm people down but not necessarily absorb blame. I do agree, though, that it is a word that would stand out on a resume.
– tylerharms
Dec 5 '12 at 6:30
add a comment |
In the context, support is a good opposite to blame, as is understand.
A phrase like find reasons to praise rather than blame others might be what she's looking for.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
Ryan Haber
1,8631015
Alongside understand, I'd also go with empathy - the ability to understand what others are feeling from afar. I can understand a serial killer and still want him to be executed. I can't empathise without feeling sad, either way.
– Lunivore
Dec 4 '12 at 23:07
add a comment |
The problem with:
acting with integrity/helping others rather than blaming others
is that it might easily come across as critical of the rest of her organization. I'd avoid the phrase "rather than X" where X can be construed as anything negative.
You could say:
helps others in crisis situations without playing the "blame game"
(While "blame game" may sound a bit informal, the phrase can be found in business literature, the news, and some dictionaries.)
That said, my most significant suggestion here is changing "rather than" to "without." Rather than can have a somewhat accusatory tone which, ironically, is the trait she is purporting to avoid.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
J.R.
55k582183
add a comment |
"Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:34
lotsoffreetime
98757
add a comment |
She could be said to be offering constructive criticism. That is a phrase defined as:
Criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions
If she is working to help younger or newer-to-the-organization people, she is serving as a mentor.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:45
JLG
21.7k13287
add a comment |
Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.
answered May 17 '14 at 22:21
Hal
1,36331426
add a comment |
Consider laud.
laud: to praise (someone or something).
answered May 17 '14 at 22:29
Elian
38.8k2098212
add a comment |
I would go with a variation one of the following:
- "seeking solutions rather than pointing fingers"
- "finding solutions to shared problems"
answered 16 mins ago
Roger D
1
New contributor
Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "97"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f93274%2fopposite-of-blaming-people%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
In the context of your question, "support" seems to be an appropriate counterpart to "blame." If that makes sense to you, then consider The word "bulwark," a synonym of support, which has a useful meaning that deals specifically with conflict situations where one person strives to solve the conflict instead of lay blame.
Bulwark (n): any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt.
The word itself is a little clunky, but if your girlfriend is the person to offer support and encouragement, this word could serve your need.
In terms of working for the good of the group and avoiding petty disputes, you can call her a "collaborator."
collaborator (n): to work with another or others on a joint project.
As attributives, both of these could concisely describe her assets.
Good luck.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:02
tylerharms
6,83753061
Thanks @tylerharms, some very insightful and positive comments. Bulwark is a new word to me, but does seem to convey the attributes we are thinking of.
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:34
I've heard the word bulwark several times – in the second line of Hedge's translation of Luther's famous hymn. I can't remember if I've heard it outside that context, though (at least, not until I just read tylerharms' answer).
– J.R.
Dec 4 '12 at 22:40
1
Your definition not withstanding, I'm not sure bulwark really fits here. A bulwark is a wall for support or defense- something to keep between you and your enemy/attacker/foe. Any metaphorical meaning derives from that, so that your person giving strong support or encouragement is meant to be from the viewpoint of someone who gets in the middle and takes the brunt of the blame, while saying, "that's okay, don't worry about it, shrug it off etc." Bottom line- I would not put it on a resume or appraisal.
– Jim
Dec 4 '12 at 23:19
@Jim: Well, if a person stands up for someone blamed, I think the word is approppriate. I disagree that must absorb, in this case, blame. I would argue that the broadest sense of the definition is a "protection against", and the use in context is of a person who protects against the petty finger-pointing that hinders people from achieving goals. A person who stands up for this might have to stand in the middle of an argument and calm people down but not necessarily absorb blame. I do agree, though, that it is a word that would stand out on a resume.
– tylerharms
Dec 5 '12 at 6:30
add a comment |
In the context of your question, "support" seems to be an appropriate counterpart to "blame." If that makes sense to you, then consider The word "bulwark," a synonym of support, which has a useful meaning that deals specifically with conflict situations where one person strives to solve the conflict instead of lay blame.
Bulwark (n): any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt.
The word itself is a little clunky, but if your girlfriend is the person to offer support and encouragement, this word could serve your need.
In terms of working for the good of the group and avoiding petty disputes, you can call her a "collaborator."
collaborator (n): to work with another or others on a joint project.
As attributives, both of these could concisely describe her assets.
Good luck.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:02
tylerharms
6,83753061
Thanks @tylerharms, some very insightful and positive comments. Bulwark is a new word to me, but does seem to convey the attributes we are thinking of.
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:34
I've heard the word bulwark several times – in the second line of Hedge's translation of Luther's famous hymn. I can't remember if I've heard it outside that context, though (at least, not until I just read tylerharms' answer).
– J.R.
Dec 4 '12 at 22:40
1
Your definition not withstanding, I'm not sure bulwark really fits here. A bulwark is a wall for support or defense- something to keep between you and your enemy/attacker/foe. Any metaphorical meaning derives from that, so that your person giving strong support or encouragement is meant to be from the viewpoint of someone who gets in the middle and takes the brunt of the blame, while saying, "that's okay, don't worry about it, shrug it off etc." Bottom line- I would not put it on a resume or appraisal.
– Jim
Dec 4 '12 at 23:19
@Jim: Well, if a person stands up for someone blamed, I think the word is approppriate. I disagree that must absorb, in this case, blame. I would argue that the broadest sense of the definition is a "protection against", and the use in context is of a person who protects against the petty finger-pointing that hinders people from achieving goals. A person who stands up for this might have to stand in the middle of an argument and calm people down but not necessarily absorb blame. I do agree, though, that it is a word that would stand out on a resume.
– tylerharms
Dec 5 '12 at 6:30
add a comment |
In the context of your question, "support" seems to be an appropriate counterpart to "blame." If that makes sense to you, then consider The word "bulwark," a synonym of support, which has a useful meaning that deals specifically with conflict situations where one person strives to solve the conflict instead of lay blame.
Bulwark (n): any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt.
The word itself is a little clunky, but if your girlfriend is the person to offer support and encouragement, this word could serve your need.
In terms of working for the good of the group and avoiding petty disputes, you can call her a "collaborator."
collaborator (n): to work with another or others on a joint project.
As attributives, both of these could concisely describe her assets.
Good luck.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:02
tylerharms
6,83753061
In the context of your question, "support" seems to be an appropriate counterpart to "blame." If that makes sense to you, then consider The word "bulwark," a synonym of support, which has a useful meaning that deals specifically with conflict situations where one person strives to solve the conflict instead of lay blame.
Bulwark (n): any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt.
The word itself is a little clunky, but if your girlfriend is the person to offer support and encouragement, this word could serve your need.
In terms of working for the good of the group and avoiding petty disputes, you can call her a "collaborator."
collaborator (n): to work with another or others on a joint project.
As attributives, both of these could concisely describe her assets.
Good luck.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:02
tylerharms
6,83753061
edited Dec 4 '12 at 22:29
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:02
tylerharms
6,83753061
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:02
tylerharms
6,83753061
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:02
tylerharms
6,83753061
6,83753061
Thanks @tylerharms, some very insightful and positive comments. Bulwark is a new word to me, but does seem to convey the attributes we are thinking of.
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:34
I've heard the word bulwark several times – in the second line of Hedge's translation of Luther's famous hymn. I can't remember if I've heard it outside that context, though (at least, not until I just read tylerharms' answer).
– J.R.
Dec 4 '12 at 22:40
1
Your definition not withstanding, I'm not sure bulwark really fits here. A bulwark is a wall for support or defense- something to keep between you and your enemy/attacker/foe. Any metaphorical meaning derives from that, so that your person giving strong support or encouragement is meant to be from the viewpoint of someone who gets in the middle and takes the brunt of the blame, while saying, "that's okay, don't worry about it, shrug it off etc." Bottom line- I would not put it on a resume or appraisal.
– Jim
Dec 4 '12 at 23:19
@Jim: Well, if a person stands up for someone blamed, I think the word is approppriate. I disagree that must absorb, in this case, blame. I would argue that the broadest sense of the definition is a "protection against", and the use in context is of a person who protects against the petty finger-pointing that hinders people from achieving goals. A person who stands up for this might have to stand in the middle of an argument and calm people down but not necessarily absorb blame. I do agree, though, that it is a word that would stand out on a resume.
– tylerharms
Dec 5 '12 at 6:30
add a comment |
Thanks @tylerharms, some very insightful and positive comments. Bulwark is a new word to me, but does seem to convey the attributes we are thinking of.
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:34
I've heard the word bulwark several times – in the second line of Hedge's translation of Luther's famous hymn. I can't remember if I've heard it outside that context, though (at least, not until I just read tylerharms' answer).
– J.R.
Dec 4 '12 at 22:40
1
Your definition not withstanding, I'm not sure bulwark really fits here. A bulwark is a wall for support or defense- something to keep between you and your enemy/attacker/foe. Any metaphorical meaning derives from that, so that your person giving strong support or encouragement is meant to be from the viewpoint of someone who gets in the middle and takes the brunt of the blame, while saying, "that's okay, don't worry about it, shrug it off etc." Bottom line- I would not put it on a resume or appraisal.
– Jim
Dec 4 '12 at 23:19
@Jim: Well, if a person stands up for someone blamed, I think the word is approppriate. I disagree that must absorb, in this case, blame. I would argue that the broadest sense of the definition is a "protection against", and the use in context is of a person who protects against the petty finger-pointing that hinders people from achieving goals. A person who stands up for this might have to stand in the middle of an argument and calm people down but not necessarily absorb blame. I do agree, though, that it is a word that would stand out on a resume.
– tylerharms
Dec 5 '12 at 6:30
Thanks @tylerharms, some very insightful and positive comments. Bulwark is a new word to me, but does seem to convey the attributes we are thinking of.
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:34
Thanks @tylerharms, some very insightful and positive comments. Bulwark is a new word to me, but does seem to convey the attributes we are thinking of.
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:34
I've heard the word bulwark several times – in the second line of Hedge's translation of Luther's famous hymn. I can't remember if I've heard it outside that context, though (at least, not until I just read tylerharms' answer).
– J.R.
Dec 4 '12 at 22:40
I've heard the word bulwark several times – in the second line of Hedge's translation of Luther's famous hymn. I can't remember if I've heard it outside that context, though (at least, not until I just read tylerharms' answer).
– J.R.
Dec 4 '12 at 22:40
1
1
Your definition not withstanding, I'm not sure bulwark really fits here. A bulwark is a wall for support or defense- something to keep between you and your enemy/attacker/foe. Any metaphorical meaning derives from that, so that your person giving strong support or encouragement is meant to be from the viewpoint of someone who gets in the middle and takes the brunt of the blame, while saying, "that's okay, don't worry about it, shrug it off etc." Bottom line- I would not put it on a resume or appraisal.
– Jim
Dec 4 '12 at 23:19
Your definition not withstanding, I'm not sure bulwark really fits here. A bulwark is a wall for support or defense- something to keep between you and your enemy/attacker/foe. Any metaphorical meaning derives from that, so that your person giving strong support or encouragement is meant to be from the viewpoint of someone who gets in the middle and takes the brunt of the blame, while saying, "that's okay, don't worry about it, shrug it off etc." Bottom line- I would not put it on a resume or appraisal.
– Jim
Dec 4 '12 at 23:19
@Jim: Well, if a person stands up for someone blamed, I think the word is approppriate. I disagree that must absorb, in this case, blame. I would argue that the broadest sense of the definition is a "protection against", and the use in context is of a person who protects against the petty finger-pointing that hinders people from achieving goals. A person who stands up for this might have to stand in the middle of an argument and calm people down but not necessarily absorb blame. I do agree, though, that it is a word that would stand out on a resume.
– tylerharms
Dec 5 '12 at 6:30
@Jim: Well, if a person stands up for someone blamed, I think the word is approppriate. I disagree that must absorb, in this case, blame. I would argue that the broadest sense of the definition is a "protection against", and the use in context is of a person who protects against the petty finger-pointing that hinders people from achieving goals. A person who stands up for this might have to stand in the middle of an argument and calm people down but not necessarily absorb blame. I do agree, though, that it is a word that would stand out on a resume.
– tylerharms
Dec 5 '12 at 6:30
add a comment |
In the context, support is a good opposite to blame, as is understand.
A phrase like find reasons to praise rather than blame others might be what she's looking for.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
Ryan Haber
1,8631015
Alongside understand, I'd also go with empathy - the ability to understand what others are feeling from afar. I can understand a serial killer and still want him to be executed. I can't empathise without feeling sad, either way.
– Lunivore
Dec 4 '12 at 23:07
add a comment |
In the context, support is a good opposite to blame, as is understand.
A phrase like find reasons to praise rather than blame others might be what she's looking for.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
Ryan Haber
1,8631015
Alongside understand, I'd also go with empathy - the ability to understand what others are feeling from afar. I can understand a serial killer and still want him to be executed. I can't empathise without feeling sad, either way.
– Lunivore
Dec 4 '12 at 23:07
add a comment |
In the context, support is a good opposite to blame, as is understand.
A phrase like find reasons to praise rather than blame others might be what she's looking for.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
Ryan Haber
1,8631015
In the context, support is a good opposite to blame, as is understand.
A phrase like find reasons to praise rather than blame others might be what she's looking for.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
Ryan Haber
1,8631015
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
Ryan Haber
1,8631015
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
Ryan Haber
1,8631015
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
Ryan Haber
1,8631015
1,8631015
Alongside understand, I'd also go with empathy - the ability to understand what others are feeling from afar. I can understand a serial killer and still want him to be executed. I can't empathise without feeling sad, either way.
– Lunivore
Dec 4 '12 at 23:07
add a comment |
Alongside understand, I'd also go with empathy - the ability to understand what others are feeling from afar. I can understand a serial killer and still want him to be executed. I can't empathise without feeling sad, either way.
– Lunivore
Dec 4 '12 at 23:07
Alongside understand, I'd also go with empathy - the ability to understand what others are feeling from afar. I can understand a serial killer and still want him to be executed. I can't empathise without feeling sad, either way.
– Lunivore
Dec 4 '12 at 23:07
Alongside understand, I'd also go with empathy - the ability to understand what others are feeling from afar. I can understand a serial killer and still want him to be executed. I can't empathise without feeling sad, either way.
– Lunivore
Dec 4 '12 at 23:07
add a comment |
The problem with:
acting with integrity/helping others rather than blaming others
is that it might easily come across as critical of the rest of her organization. I'd avoid the phrase "rather than X" where X can be construed as anything negative.
You could say:
helps others in crisis situations without playing the "blame game"
(While "blame game" may sound a bit informal, the phrase can be found in business literature, the news, and some dictionaries.)
That said, my most significant suggestion here is changing "rather than" to "without." Rather than can have a somewhat accusatory tone which, ironically, is the trait she is purporting to avoid.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
J.R.
55k582183
add a comment |
The problem with:
acting with integrity/helping others rather than blaming others
is that it might easily come across as critical of the rest of her organization. I'd avoid the phrase "rather than X" where X can be construed as anything negative.
You could say:
helps others in crisis situations without playing the "blame game"
(While "blame game" may sound a bit informal, the phrase can be found in business literature, the news, and some dictionaries.)
That said, my most significant suggestion here is changing "rather than" to "without." Rather than can have a somewhat accusatory tone which, ironically, is the trait she is purporting to avoid.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
J.R.
55k582183
add a comment |
The problem with:
acting with integrity/helping others rather than blaming others
is that it might easily come across as critical of the rest of her organization. I'd avoid the phrase "rather than X" where X can be construed as anything negative.
You could say:
helps others in crisis situations without playing the "blame game"
(While "blame game" may sound a bit informal, the phrase can be found in business literature, the news, and some dictionaries.)
That said, my most significant suggestion here is changing "rather than" to "without." Rather than can have a somewhat accusatory tone which, ironically, is the trait she is purporting to avoid.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
J.R.
55k582183
The problem with:
acting with integrity/helping others rather than blaming others
is that it might easily come across as critical of the rest of her organization. I'd avoid the phrase "rather than X" where X can be construed as anything negative.
You could say:
helps others in crisis situations without playing the "blame game"
(While "blame game" may sound a bit informal, the phrase can be found in business literature, the news, and some dictionaries.)
That said, my most significant suggestion here is changing "rather than" to "without." Rather than can have a somewhat accusatory tone which, ironically, is the trait she is purporting to avoid.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
J.R.
55k582183
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
J.R.
55k582183
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
J.R.
55k582183
answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15
J.R.
55k582183
55k582183
add a comment |
add a comment |
"Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:34
lotsoffreetime
98757
add a comment |
"Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:34
lotsoffreetime
98757
add a comment |
"Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:34
lotsoffreetime
98757
"Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:34
lotsoffreetime
98757
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:34
lotsoffreetime
98757
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:34
lotsoffreetime
98757
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:34
lotsoffreetime
98757
98757
add a comment |
add a comment |
She could be said to be offering constructive criticism. That is a phrase defined as:
Criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions
If she is working to help younger or newer-to-the-organization people, she is serving as a mentor.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:45
JLG
21.7k13287
add a comment |
She could be said to be offering constructive criticism. That is a phrase defined as:
Criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions
If she is working to help younger or newer-to-the-organization people, she is serving as a mentor.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:45
JLG
21.7k13287
add a comment |
She could be said to be offering constructive criticism. That is a phrase defined as:
Criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions
If she is working to help younger or newer-to-the-organization people, she is serving as a mentor.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:45
JLG
21.7k13287
She could be said to be offering constructive criticism. That is a phrase defined as:
Criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions
If she is working to help younger or newer-to-the-organization people, she is serving as a mentor.
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:45
JLG
21.7k13287
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:45
JLG
21.7k13287
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:45
JLG
21.7k13287
answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:45
JLG
21.7k13287
21.7k13287
add a comment |
add a comment |
Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.
answered May 17 '14 at 22:21
Hal
1,36331426
add a comment |
Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.
answered May 17 '14 at 22:21
Hal
1,36331426
add a comment |
Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.
answered May 17 '14 at 22:21
Hal
1,36331426
Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.
answered May 17 '14 at 22:21
Hal
1,36331426
answered May 17 '14 at 22:21
Hal
1,36331426
answered May 17 '14 at 22:21
Hal
1,36331426
answered May 17 '14 at 22:21
Hal
1,36331426
1,36331426
add a comment |
add a comment |
Consider laud.
laud: to praise (someone or something).
answered May 17 '14 at 22:29
Elian
38.8k2098212
add a comment |
Consider laud.
laud: to praise (someone or something).
answered May 17 '14 at 22:29
Elian
38.8k2098212
add a comment |
Consider laud.
laud: to praise (someone or something).
answered May 17 '14 at 22:29
Elian
38.8k2098212
Consider laud.
laud: to praise (someone or something).
answered May 17 '14 at 22:29
Elian
38.8k2098212
answered May 17 '14 at 22:29
Elian
38.8k2098212
answered May 17 '14 at 22:29
Elian
38.8k2098212
answered May 17 '14 at 22:29
Elian
38.8k2098212
38.8k2098212
add a comment |
add a comment |
I would go with a variation one of the following:
- "seeking solutions rather than pointing fingers"
- "finding solutions to shared problems"
answered 16 mins ago
Roger D
1
New contributor
Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I would go with a variation one of the following:
- "seeking solutions rather than pointing fingers"
- "finding solutions to shared problems"
answered 16 mins ago
Roger D
1
New contributor
Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I would go with a variation one of the following:
- "seeking solutions rather than pointing fingers"
- "finding solutions to shared problems"
answered 16 mins ago
Roger D
1
New contributor
Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I would go with a variation one of the following:
- "seeking solutions rather than pointing fingers"
- "finding solutions to shared problems"
answered 16 mins ago
Roger D
1
New contributor
Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 16 mins ago
Roger D
1
New contributor
Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 16 mins ago
Roger D
1
answered 16 mins ago
Roger D
1
1
New contributor
Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language & Usage Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.
Please pay close attention to the following guidance:
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f93274%2fopposite-of-blaming-people%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
4
She shouldn't credit herself with the phrase acting with integrity: it's too self-serving, self-promoting, & patronizing (by criticizing others "who don't have as much integrity" as she believes she has). "Helping others rather than blaming others" can be cut to "helping rather than blaming others". Here are some more phrases: "by seeing everyone's mistakes (mine included) as opportunities to learn rather than to simply pass judgment, generate guilt, & punish"; "by calmly discussing missteps & misunderstandings"; "by motivating others to 'do better next time'."
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:01
If you type "how to offer constructive criticism" into a Google search window, lots of interesting hits appear on top, & none of them are YouTube videos of weirdly named singing groups, at least, not on my PC: YMMV.
– user21497
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
Thanks Bill, those are some fantastic comments and feedback. Appraisals always seem to be an articulation minefield where you want to sound positive about yourself without making yourself sound like a fool!
– Kel196
Dec 4 '12 at 22:06
2
"You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," a relevant expression goes. A recommendation to critics is: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." And the uniquely-qualified speaker chose not to.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 4 '12 at 22:32