Team,
We graciously tell the hard truth and demand to hear it from others.
Be clear on expectations and make it ok for people to ask for clarity.
I recently had lunch with a friend who has been with the same company for over two decades—a tenure rarely seen in today’s professional landscape, unlike the generations of our parents and grandparents. My friend holds a leadership position, and his company was acquired this year. He sought my advice on the frustrations he’s experiencing, which areleading him to consider leaving for the first time.
While the new owners are highly engaging—even more so than the previous ones—my friend’s frustration stems from his boss. His compensation structure is being altered, with a significant cut to his base salary supposedly offset by bonus pay. The core issue is a lack of clarity regarding the bonus plan. When he pressed for details, his boss angrily told him he needed to trust him.
This poor communication from the new leadership has amplified all the minor, previously insignificant frustrations. As a result, my friend is now seriously contemplating his departure. This is someone highly organized, systematic, and thrives in a culture that prioritizes clear rules and expectations. Yet now, he feels unable to ask for the clarity he needs to be effective in the business he’s been a part of for so long.
Candor is about more than just being honest or direct; it’s about speaking openly and respectfully with the intent to help each other grow and improve. It is the cornerstone of trust and high performance.
Consider what happens when we:
- Communicate clearly and transparently
- Make space for questions and feedback
- Encourage truth-telling with respect and grace
