Regarding criticism, and I've received a lot over the years....
I have found, both at the giving and receiving level, it is almost always better to lead with positivity before offering the crit. Obviously not talking about extreme examples, repeat offenses, etc., but employees, and I know it also applies to me, respond much better when they know they aren't complete failures. I worked for a horribly abusive, toxic woman who didn't believe good performance warranted recognition. In her words, "if she doesn't say anything, you've done a good job" but would then give you a fucking laundry list 50 items long of things she hated. It's horribly demoralizing.
As a manager, I always try to find something to be positive and reassuring about before correcting the mistakes. It creates a rapport of respect and confidence, rather than fear and domination.
Just my opinion.