Opposite of “blaming people”












2














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!










share|improve this question




















  • 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
















2














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!










share|improve this question




















  • 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














2












2








2







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!










share|improve this question















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






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Dec 5 '12 at 3:27









JSBձոգչ

48.1k13141199




48.1k13141199










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














  • 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










8 Answers
8






active

oldest

votes


















4














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.






share|improve this answer























  • 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



















3














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.






share|improve this answer





















  • 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





















2














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.






share|improve this answer





























    1














    "Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".






    share|improve this answer





























      0














      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.






      share|improve this answer





























        0














        Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.






        share|improve this answer





























          0














          Consider laud.




          laud: to praise (someone or something).







          share|improve this answer





























            0














            I would go with a variation one of the following:




            • "seeking solutions rather than pointing fingers"

            • "finding solutions to shared problems"






            share|improve this answer








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              8 Answers
              8






              active

              oldest

              votes








              8 Answers
              8






              active

              oldest

              votes









              active

              oldest

              votes






              active

              oldest

              votes









              4














              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.






              share|improve this answer























              • 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
















              4














              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.






              share|improve this answer























              • 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














              4












              4








              4






              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.






              share|improve this answer














              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.







              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited Dec 4 '12 at 22:29

























              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


















              • 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













              3














              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.






              share|improve this answer





















              • 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


















              3














              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.






              share|improve this answer





















              • 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
















              3












              3








              3






              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.






              share|improve this answer












              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.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              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




















              • 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













              2














              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.






              share|improve this answer


























                2














                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.






                share|improve this answer
























                  2












                  2








                  2






                  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.






                  share|improve this answer












                  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.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Dec 4 '12 at 22:15









                  J.R.

                  55k582183




                  55k582183























                      1














                      "Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".






                      share|improve this answer


























                        1














                        "Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".






                        share|improve this answer
























                          1












                          1








                          1






                          "Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".






                          share|improve this answer












                          "Credit" is an acceptable term for what you want to convey; it's a more constructive variant of "blame".







                          share|improve this answer












                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer










                          answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:34









                          lotsoffreetime

                          98757




                          98757























                              0














                              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.






                              share|improve this answer


























                                0














                                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.






                                share|improve this answer
























                                  0












                                  0








                                  0






                                  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.






                                  share|improve this answer












                                  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.







                                  share|improve this answer












                                  share|improve this answer



                                  share|improve this answer










                                  answered Dec 4 '12 at 21:45









                                  JLG

                                  21.7k13287




                                  21.7k13287























                                      0














                                      Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.






                                      share|improve this answer


























                                        0














                                        Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.






                                        share|improve this answer
























                                          0












                                          0








                                          0






                                          Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.






                                          share|improve this answer












                                          Praise and blame semantically oppose each other.







                                          share|improve this answer












                                          share|improve this answer



                                          share|improve this answer










                                          answered May 17 '14 at 22:21









                                          Hal

                                          1,36331426




                                          1,36331426























                                              0














                                              Consider laud.




                                              laud: to praise (someone or something).







                                              share|improve this answer


























                                                0














                                                Consider laud.




                                                laud: to praise (someone or something).







                                                share|improve this answer
























                                                  0












                                                  0








                                                  0






                                                  Consider laud.




                                                  laud: to praise (someone or something).







                                                  share|improve this answer












                                                  Consider laud.




                                                  laud: to praise (someone or something).








                                                  share|improve this answer












                                                  share|improve this answer



                                                  share|improve this answer










                                                  answered May 17 '14 at 22:29









                                                  Elian

                                                  38.8k2098212




                                                  38.8k2098212























                                                      0














                                                      I would go with a variation one of the following:




                                                      • "seeking solutions rather than pointing fingers"

                                                      • "finding solutions to shared problems"






                                                      share|improve this answer








                                                      New contributor




                                                      Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                        0














                                                        I would go with a variation one of the following:




                                                        • "seeking solutions rather than pointing fingers"

                                                        • "finding solutions to shared problems"






                                                        share|improve this answer








                                                        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.





















                                                          0












                                                          0








                                                          0






                                                          I would go with a variation one of the following:




                                                          • "seeking solutions rather than pointing fingers"

                                                          • "finding solutions to shared problems"






                                                          share|improve this answer








                                                          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"







                                                          share|improve this answer








                                                          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.









                                                          share|improve this answer



                                                          share|improve this answer






                                                          New contributor




                                                          Roger D is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                          answered 17 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.






























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