Candid: We graciously tell the hard truth and demand to hear it from others.
When we meet someone for the first time and get to know them, part of understanding who they are is knowing their personal history. For example: I work with a guy from Long Island named Jim – knowing this about Jim and hearing about life on Long Island, which is adjacent to NYC, explains a lot about Jim and helps me understand and appreciate him.
Words are the same. As we look at the word Candid this week, here is a quick history about the word “candid.”
The root word of the word “candid” is the Latin word candidus, which means “white, bright.” The word candidus comes from the Latin verb candēre, which means “to shine, be bright”. The word “candid” comes from the French word candide, which also means “white.”
The word “candid” was first recorded in the English language between 1620 and 1630. The word has had several meanings over time, including “pure, innocent,” “unbiased,” “free from malice,” and “frank.”
Our modern understanding of candid is related more to “frank” and to be candid about it, I think we’ve lost the full meaning of the word. The goal of this attempt to describe “candid” is to bring some of the true meaning back. When we are candid (tell the hard truth) with someone AND do it graciously with a positive intent, or “free from malice” to help them, we are “shining and being bright” to that person.
On the flip side, when someone you trust gives you candid feedback to help you AND you receive it as intended (to help you), you will experience the “brightness” of true candor from that person.
Lastly, a community of people that is built on being candid with each other becomes something special. Everyone improves, true trust is built, and they have a real shot at achieving their goals together.
