Telling people what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear isn't always the best move. Telling someone what they want to hear shouldn’t be confused with telling them what they need to hear.
For some, it may not only make their situation worse, for others it may interfere with their relationship. Although someone may be disappointed by what you’re telling them, others may become disillusioned if what they need to hear isn’t what they’re being told and their situation doesn’t work out as a consequence.
People have more respect for those who are able to be honest with them. I remember a situation where a friend had his hair cut and someone blurting out that it was the worst hair-cut he’d ever seen.
A blunt response isn't the right way. There are more tactful ways to get our point across. It is not always that what we say is bad, but how what we say is received.
If the other person takes what you say the wrong way, particularly if it's said in good faith, they probably would have taken it the wrong way anyway.
It’s all about honesty and integrity. Telling us what we need to hear incorporates both. It's how it's said that is important.
I remember in high school I had a friend who went out with this girl.
Immediately, they were not right for each other. My friend was a 'goodie goodie' and she was a pot smoking type of girl. All of her friends were saying ohhh you guys look so good together, so cute and things like that.
I said to my friend, 'I don't think it will work out.' Sure enough it didn't. I know I could have been more tactful.
I like to speak my mind, so I've tried to keep my words in check. It's very hard, but I try.
As a child Mat I got lots wrong. You try and that's good. Eventually you'll find what works and what doesn't.
It also depends on who we're talking to. It's not always what we say that gets us into trouble, it's sometimes how the other person perceives what we say.
It's important to know our customers! That always helps.
I agree with you. I'd rather have someone tell me up front the truth and for them to not 'hee haw' around the situation.
I try to be upfront and honest with people and usually am. I like to treat people better than I'm treated.
Ditto on your thoughts. I believe that how we treat people should be how they treat us, in equal measures. Relationships and trust works both ways. That is so important.
I've spent the majority of my life telling people what they wanted to hear rather than them not liking me or being angry with me.
It is very hard to change that mindset now, but I know I have to or people will always continue to walk all over me.
I just don't have the patience anymore to candy coat what I have to say to people since sometimes; they really need to hear the truth!
I agree with you completely and you're right, if what is said is directed at us, people if they are that way inclined may begin to walk all over us. I have had that too.
Perhaps now it's time to say what you really need to say. I think we get hurt more when we don't.