Communication Myth 9: Being Direct is Always Best
Leadership in 180 Seconds: The 10 Greatest Communication Myths in the Workplace
Being direct is often praised in leadership—but is it always best? In this episode, we bust the myth that bluntness equals effectiveness. Discover why clarity with kindness is what truly drives trust and impact. Learn how to lead conversations that are both honest and human.
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There’s a myth in leadership that says the best way to get things done is to just “tell it like it is.” Be blunt. Be bold. Be brutally honest. And yes—clarity matters. Honesty matters. Clear expectations and courageous conversations are essential in healthy teams. But directness, without emotional intelligence, is not leadership. It’s laziness masquerading as candour.
When I was a young leader I prided myself on being direct, being blunt. However, soon I realised that this bluntness was leaving a wake of confusion, hurt, and defensiveness. When we equate effectiveness with sharpness, we risk slicing trust right out of our teams. Here’s the truth that I had to learn: Directness is only effective when it’s paired with care.
Like many aspects of leadership, we need to find the balance.
Kindness without clarity? That’s people-pleasing.
Clarity without kindness? That’s bulldozing.The leaders who influence others the most are not just clear—they’re considerate.
They speak truth with grace. They correct with compassion. They challenge with curiosity.It’s not about softening your message—it’s about strengthening your connection.
So next time you need to be direct, ask yourself:
Do I care about how this lands, or just how fast I can say it?
Am I being honest, or just unloading frustration?
Is my tone building trust—or just making a point?
Here’s your action:
Before your next hard conversation, pause and prepare. What do you want the other person to feel, understand, and do? And how can you deliver that message in a way that is clear and kind?Directness is a tool. But empathy is the hand that holds it.