The Truth With Kindness

Do you tell the truth no matter what?

What about the feelings of the person you are telling that truth to? Do you keep some things to yourself to prevent hurt feelings? If you did, would that be the best thing for that person?

Centered leaders tell the truth with kindness.

That means no lies, AND no loaded and harsh judgments. Centered leaders tell the truth with the compassion to seek what's best for all concerned. It can be emotionally draining to be confronted with our truths sometimes. Centered leaders find ways to challenge without crushing -- to deliver without draining.

What are some ways that we can tell the truth with kindness?

-- Remain open to the truths of others: they may see things differently
-- Identify both the facts and the feelings of a situation
-- Suspend judgement at least until all facts and feelings are open
-- Respect everyone involved
-- Acknowledge your own strengths and weaknesses
-- See the problem as the opportunity for a stronger relationship
-- Realize that hiding the truth is a temporary solution at best
-- Face the reality that the truth will always bubble to the top
-- Sort thru each relative truth to find what can be agreed on

What other ways do you have for delivering the truth with kindness?

-- Douglas Brent Smith
http://frontrangeleadership.com

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