Often times there are ideas and words that get stuck in the middle.
They go unsaid, although not often unthought. That’s why they linger, getting caught in nets of individuality.
We omit things because we don’t want to offend, which produces a situation where people are operating on incomplete or not entirely authentic data.
And at the end of the day, we can only go on what people say, not some assumption about their thoughts & feelings.
That’s why it’s so vital to illuminate the in-between and bring voice to the unique value that accompanies each and every one of us.
This isn’t about being unfiltered, overly blunt or uncaring about how our words land. Quite the opposite.
It’s caring about how they land so much that we…
Structure our feedback
Imbue it with empathy
Admit that what we offer might not be a complete solution
And be precise enough with our vocabulary so that softness and directness travel together
I could blow smoke up your ass but that surely feels like a waste of time… for all of us.
If you’re kind, illuminate the in-between.