Candid
We graciously tell the hard truth and demand to hear it from others.
This virtue, more so than the others, requires us to have a relationship with each other. One of the verses that reinforces this virtue is Proverbs 27:6 – Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Another verse that comes to mind is Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
What do we learn from these verses? Well, one lesson is if two pieces of iron are isolated, they become dull and useless. If those same two pieces are used to sharpen each other, they become effective tools for the purpose for which they were forged. The process of helping someone improve his / her effectiveness requires a relationship.
I have had quite a few candid conversations with our main man, Evan, over the past several months. These conversations have helped me gain clarity of purpose and, I hope, in return has helped Evan improve as well. Two pieces of iron sharpening each other will lead to improved efficiencies, higher levels of trust, and create a team that cannot fail in its common objective.
We are almost midway through Q1 of 2025. Have you had candid conversations with your team? These conversations should benefit both parties and be a building block for additional success in your markets or department. As we continue to work together, let us be serious about this virtue and tell the hard truth so that others will be sharpened, but also open your ears to receive the hard truth when it comes your way as well.
The goal of any candid conversation should be for everyone to grow. To have these meaningful conversations, we need to know our people. What is the purpose behind our being candid with each other, what is our motive? If it is to put someone in their place and make us look better, we miss it and fail in the virtue of humility. Be that friend and sharpen someone this week and you just might be surprised by how much you are sharpened in return.
