1 October 2009
Success Tip: Straight Talk
Posted by Moss under: Business .
Straight talk is the ability and practice of getting to the point. People who engage in Straight Talk don’t beat around the bush, make assumptions, or communicate indirectly. They say what’s on their minds and take responsibility for their thoughts and feelings.
For example, if someone in business is bothered by something someone else in the company has said or done, he finds an early opportunity to talk privately to the other person.
Here is how he might straight talk:
“I’m bothered by something you said to our team earlier today. I don’t think you intended to purposely take sole credit and exclude me in your comments about our quarterly success, but you seemed to take full credit for our recent success. I want to make sure you appreciate the contributions I also make.”
He didn’t attack, judge, or assume a bad motive, i.e.:
“I can’t believe you once again took total credit for our recent success. You always leave me out and act like the big champion. You’re selfish and only care about yourself and you big ego.” This is not straight talk, it’s attack and “blame talk.”
Bottom Line
- Say what you mean and mean what you say.
- Take responsibility for your own words.
- Use words such as “I think” or “I feel” instead of “You always” or “You never.”
- Set the stage by letting your partner know you’re bothered and want to clear the air as a way of regaining balance, trust, or safety.
