In Design school, we learned how to criticize without being jerks. We also learned to trust other people, and take criticism without being offended.

After 4 years in an environment like that, I'm amazed at the design process in the startup world. People cling to their pet projects -- and they either don't criticize for fear of hurting someone's feelings, or they take criticism very personally.

I take this skill set for granted, but there aren't that many places to learn how to give and take criticism, and many companies have not figured out how to embed it in their culture.