NACWL Podcast

How we often see Directness Directing: manage or guide by advice, helpful information, or instruction. The directive kind of communication is often the "brutal honesty" that can be very hurtful to others. A person or leader characterized by this brutal honesty can get a reputation for moving so fast that no one can keep up. This kind of communication is also often used to communicate harsh or damaging words, veiled by the pretense of "being direct."   Healthy Directness Directness makes it possible for people to have confidence in your communication, because they know they're getting the "real story" from you. Directness is a gift you give to the people you are leading. I define directness as "bringing clarity to honesty and wrapping it in understanding."   This requires that you: Clearly see what information or feedback, or direction that you want to give. Communicate the truth honestly, resisting the temptation to add "fluff" comments to make yourself look good or diffuse your discomfort with speaking