Episode Details

Episode 102: Is It Safe to Tell You the Truth?

In this episode, we look at why the people around you stop telling you the truth as your influence grows, and I share three tools to make honesty easier. When someone stays quiet or doesn't tell you the whole truth, my take is that you own part of the responsibility, especially in a professional setting.

Not getting candid feedback, the full truth or questions from your teams? 

• A father who learned his son had lied walked to the next town asking himself what he'd done to make honesty feel unsafe.
• The son still made a mistake. The father decided part of the responsibility was his.
• Trust is built in small moments, long before a big problem shows up.

Make time to hear what people think

• Cancelling a one-on-one won't sink a deal, but it tells people their thoughts can wait.
• Executives hesitate to bring ideas to a busy CEO, so the CEO never hears them.
• Sit down with your team, your partner, your clients and your family and ask what they think.

Ask specific questions

• "Do you like it?" takes courage to answer honestly. "Tell me two things you like and two things you don't" is easier.
• Ask your team for two ways you could serve them better, and ask them to be critical. Be specific. 

Your reaction decides whether people speak up again

• A Ford CEO kept asking his executives for problems and got none, until one leader named a hard one and the CEO thanked him in front of everyone.
• After that, problems came to the table and the team could solve them.
• Defending yourself is natural whereas keeping yourself regulated takes practice - this is the work we do in coaching.

Connect with Carolina:

• Website: carozuleta.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carolinazuletacoaching
• Book a consultation: carozuleta.com/consult
• Previous episodes: carozuleta.com/podcasts/visionary-s-pursuit

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