You want to make an improvement on how things are going, however, you hesitate because you worry how your suggestion is going to be perceived. You ask yourself: “Will people get defensive or take it as a criticism of their working style?”
From 30 years of working with leaders at all levels, I have found that being transparent is the most effective form of communication. However, you need to ensure that you communicate in the most respectful manner, without skirting the issue and by ensuring your feedback is aligned to the common goal.
If people see that you are coming from the right place and mean well, you will take the discussion to the next level. This does not mean that your feedback will be fully implemented. It means that you will have a healthy and transparent discussion leading to the best outcome.
The outcome could be what you suggested or what they come up with. It may also be a third choice, which evolved from the outcome of your discussion. Therefore, its neither yours or theirs, but in retrospect better than both your suggestions!