How To Politely Correct a Subordinate’s Grammar

Imagine being in a meeting and your subordinate is up front getting ready for his presentation. He starts off quite well, until you unexpectedly notice a recurring error in his grammar. Your colleagues have noticed too, and they are doing their best not to laugh.

This is just a single situation from a wide set of possibilities wherein a subordinate of yours can display errors in grammar. These can range from presentation errors, mispronounced terms, or even recurring errors in written reports. So if you have such an employee with a recurring grammatical difficulty, what would be the best means to correct him or her? Here are some tips to help you address the matter politely.

1. Set a moment to talk privately. It would be helpful if the correction were done in a setting that is less embarrassing. It is always easier to talk openly and set the mood for constructive criticism when the matter is discussed in a private manner. You can simply invite the employee to your office for a short meeting, or treat your subordinate to a cup of coffee in the cafeteria. Be patient and don't rush. Make sure that your subordinate is at ease as much as possible.
2. Start with the positives first. You don't necessarily have to go into the grammatical error right away. You can start by emphasizing your subordinate's recent accomplishments. Then subtly shift the topic to the apparent error in grammar. This way, the situation moves from a destructive to a more constructive setting.
3. Inquire about the error. When asking about the error, it would be best to be as polite as possible regarding the matter. Emphasize the advantage of getting this piece of advice from you for his future endeavors. Then ask your employee if he or she is actually aware of the error. If it is a recurring error, then it is more probable that your subordinate is not aware of it.
4. Correct and offer options for further improvement. Upon offering the needed corrections, reinforce the matter by recommending some resources to your subordinate if needed. You might forward website links to useful grammar sites or grant your subordinate access to media that will help in improving his or her grammar.

The key to giving corrections to anyone -- may it be your subordinate, relative, or friend -- is the manner in which you give the criticism. It has to be constructive in every sense.