Truth Telling Without Crushing Spirits

Telling the truth is one of the most important things a leader can do. Without truth, there is no trust. Without trust, there is no team. But here’s the catch: how you deliver the truth matters just as much as the truth itself.

Some leaders pride themselves on being brutally honest. The problem is, if your honesty crushes someone’s spirit, you lose them. Emotional intelligence means delivering truth in a way that builds people up rather than tears them down.

One of the best tools I’ve found is what I call the Truth Sandwich. Start with afrmation: acknowledge what the person does well. Then insert the truth, clearly and directly. Finally, end with encouragement, pointing to their potential and your belief in them.

For example: “You’ve been a huge asset to this team. We need to address the way deadlines are being missed. I believe you’re capable of turning this around and being even more efective.” That’s truth, wrapped in respect and belief.

The world doesn’t need more harsh truth-tellers. It needs leaders who can speak the truth with love, clarity, and respect. When you master this, your people will not only hear you — they will trust you more deeply.

Stay Focused,
Gino