I had a really nice trip to Washington, DC at the end of February to work with a client. One of our goals was to create more honest, open communication so people can say what needs to be said without tiptoeing, squirming, avoiding, or unleashing untold anger. It was a great success. My client informed me that her team was using their new attitudes and capabilities before my return flight even landed. No matter how often I hear such reports, I am delighted. My goal is to change lives with clarity and every success matters.

Does your team say what needs to be said? Are all of you really good at helping each other be the best you can be?

Honest, open communication requires the right perspective and specific skills. Unfortunately, the norms of the business world fly in the face of that perspective. Assumptions and judgments prevail in a hierarchical world that puts people in boxes. Furthermore, the advice for how to give feedback is often really touchy-feely and strikes many people as manipulative or reeks of tough love, which just plain reeks!

I prefer clarity.

If you treat people with true respect and avoid all assumptions and judgments, saying what you need to say is suddenly pretty darn simple. The trick is in how you think about people and avoid the assumptions and judgments that flow so naturally and habitually.