The Truth Is So Simple
I just need to ‘share the truth’
The truth is so simple when we think about being alone at our desks.
I need to tell my leader the "truth" about their idea or tell my direct report the truth about their performance. Tell a peer the "truth" about why that plan. Someone once told me, " the truth is never inappropriate.
That can sound too good, so self-righteous, it's an excuse for workplaces where sharing "truth" is a daily game of paper cuts, so deep you could bleed out. I often give my clients 'hard truths'; it is part of good coaching. Tough love, yet if it is all tough and no love in that truth-telling, it is just pain with no hope.
That can sound too good, so self-righteous, it's an excuse for workplaces where sharing "truth" is a daily game of paper cuts, so deep you could bleed out. I often give my clients 'hard truths'; it is part of good coaching. Tough love, yet if it is all tough and no love in that truth-telling, it is just pain with no hope.
Truth and The Environment it is Shared in
STRATEGY
I have learned that a few key things matter when sharing a "truth". You have to pay real attention to the relationship between you and the person you think needs this "truth." Have you earned the right to share it? Would they have any reason to trust you? A track record they can count on? Some reason to believe you have their best interest at the heart of this "truth”?
COMMMUNICATION
Location. We are often so excited about our insight, our "truth", that we don't stop and look and listen. Like when crossing a street, looking both ways can prevent significant accidents. Checking out who else is around can avoid accidents in relationships.
Tell some truth in a group or public setting, giving a person no place to process new, unexpected, often complex information in private. Catching someone in error, a mistake, a blind spot, or just with unknown information with no heads up can be simply cruel and unnecessary. Learning to play well within a team is one of the best signs of a strong or potential leader. I look at how well you support peers to see how well you will support a team should you ever lead one.
The next critically overlooked issue with "truth" is the timing when you tell someone. This is so important.
We are impatient and want to get it checked off to move on from the issue as quickly as possible. We often can't wait to blurt it out, and we want it done when it works for us, now or at the least very soon.
Taking the time to consider the other person's needs, what has their day or week been like, does this need to be handled today or will it keep just fine for the weekend, and talking to a refreshed version of them on Monday will be better?
Time, Energy and Abilities are the ballast we have to manage the stress of change and fuel the decisive actions essential for growth.
Yes, it takes a bit of time to go through the checklist, but very often, you have one chance to have someone listen to your different view; once shared and rejected, they will seldom be open to listening again. You get one bite at the truth, make it count
Leverage your ARC leadership profile, reach out to us at ARC if you need assistance creating and executing a plan for yourself and your team.