It’s National Honesty Day
Please don’t ask me any questions today.
This unofficially proclaimed “day of honesty” is attributed to M. Hirsh Goldberg who wrote five books; one was about lies and the lack of ethics in the business and political arena, including people’s personal lives.
Do people really want the truth?
- “Honey, do you think this makes me look fat? “
- “Isn’t my child the most talented?”
- “We’ll be in town next week. Can we stay with you?”
Sometimes, people perceive the truth as being mean or insensitive. It seems that you can’t come out with the truth for fear of hurting someone’s feelings.
The truth is welcome when the news or comment is positive. However, if you are going to use the truth to tell me something negative about myself or my work, then, that’s just mean!
Certainly if you are brutally blunt like, “Yeah, those pants…Wow, have you gotten fat!” Well, that conversation is over! But, if said tactfully and with a helpful purpose, it could sound something like, “Honey, you look hot to me…but if you’re uncomfortable in those pants maybe you could try on something else…I love a fashion show.” Or, “I really like when you wear the pink pair.”
In the workplace especially, tact is essential when you’re communicating with your boss, coworkers and clients.
Generally speaking, there is a difference between men and women in how direct the communication is. It’s not necessarily a “bad” thing. We are concerned about how it will come across to the person and whether it will hurt them or not. Hence, taking more time in “getting out.”
I believe that you can say what you mean without being mean. By using common sense, tact, manners, and consideration you can be honest and still kind.
Helping Businesses and Individuals Find Success Through Better Communication and Social Skills
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, Social Skills and Civility Presenter, Media Source, and author of “Don’t Burp in the Boardroom.”
Presentations are available to support HR policies, sales teams, up and coming managers, millennials & new-hire orientation process, service technicians, professional development events, conferences, college/university students, interns. For more information, please contact me, 650.871.6200.
©2017 Rosalinda Randall. All Rights Reserved.
