Cindy. What a terrific perspective. Thank you for sharing as a leader of a business and a people pleaser I’m often toeing the line of giving feedback and then worrying how people are going to receive it, and I sometimes don’t offer it when I should.
You reminded me of two things. First I once heard the phrase, which I had forgotten until reading your essay that “sometimes being unkind is being kind.” The essence being what we perceive as unkind is really being direct. And by not being direct as you point out, that’s unkind.
The second is an extension of this even further. One of my favorite books of all time is The 8 Habits of Love by Rev. Ed Bacon. It’s a beautiful and easy read, told through stories. One of the 8 habits (along with generosity, forgiveness, community, stillness, etc) is candor. When I think of candor, it’s like directness with love, care, and empathy. But it’s directness nevertheless.
Anyway I thought I’d share what showed up for me from your piece.
Thank you, James! I will check out that book--it sounds wonderful. And from a non-faith, business-only perspective, have you read Radical Candor by Kim Scott?
I always appreciate your insight and I thank you for reading.
My very wise husband has a phrase that I’ll share, “Clear is kind”. Thank you for your post. It resonated with me today!
I really like that. Thank you so much for reading!
Cindy. What a terrific perspective. Thank you for sharing as a leader of a business and a people pleaser I’m often toeing the line of giving feedback and then worrying how people are going to receive it, and I sometimes don’t offer it when I should.
You reminded me of two things. First I once heard the phrase, which I had forgotten until reading your essay that “sometimes being unkind is being kind.” The essence being what we perceive as unkind is really being direct. And by not being direct as you point out, that’s unkind.
The second is an extension of this even further. One of my favorite books of all time is The 8 Habits of Love by Rev. Ed Bacon. It’s a beautiful and easy read, told through stories. One of the 8 habits (along with generosity, forgiveness, community, stillness, etc) is candor. When I think of candor, it’s like directness with love, care, and empathy. But it’s directness nevertheless.
Anyway I thought I’d share what showed up for me from your piece.
🙏🙏
Thank you, James! I will check out that book--it sounds wonderful. And from a non-faith, business-only perspective, have you read Radical Candor by Kim Scott?
I always appreciate your insight and I thank you for reading.
I have not heard of Kim’s book and will check it out. Thank you!