Sometimes delivering criticism or bad news is a necessity. We do neither our people nor our organization any favors by trying to sugar-coat a direct message. The temptation to avoid conflict / people-please / be liked / or to manage the perceptions of others can change what must be said to what you think others can handle. That can be confusing. In contrast, when you are direct, respectful, and forward-looking with tough messages, the pressing issues and solutions become clearer to everyone-your people will know precisely where they stand, and what needs to be done.
David Peck
[email protected]
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