Clear is Kind
Why Straight Talk is the Most Compassionate Leadership Tool
In business, we often soften our words in the name of kindness. We hedge, delay, sugarcoat, or avoid difficult conversations entirely, all with the good intention of sparing someone’s feelings. But the truth is this: unclear communication is unkind.
Brené Brown captured it great when she said, “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” In leadership, clarity is not just a communication skill, it’s an act of respect.
Clarity Prevents Confusion
When expectations are vague, people fill in the blanks with their own interpretations. This creates frustration, unmet expectations, and unnecessary conflict. Telling someone, “You need to improve,” is unclear. Telling them, “I’d like to see you follow through on client requests within 24 hours, without me needing to check behind you,” is clear...and helpful.
Clarity Builds Trust
Clear communication fosters trust because it removes guessing. Team members don’t have to read between the lines or decode your tone. They know where they stand, what’s expected, and how to succeed. Even hard feedback, when delivered clearly and respectfully, builds credibility and strengthens relationships.
Clarity Moves the Business Forward
Teams that communicate clearly move faster. Meetings are shorter. Decisions are cleaner. People are more confident and aligned. Clarity cuts through the fog and creates forward momentum.
How to Practice Kind Clarity
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Be Direct, Not Abrasive. Clarity doesn’t require harshness. Use simple, respectful language. Be honest, but never demeaning.
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Set Expectations Early. Most performance issues are rooted in unclear expectations. Define the "what," the "how," and the "why." My quote of the year is "all frustration comes from unmet expectations."
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Give Real-Time Feedback. Don’t save up frustrations. Address things early while they’re small and easier to course-correct.
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Replace Passive Hints with Active Conversations. If someone is underperforming, they deserve to know. If something needs to change, say so...clearly.
Final Thought
Avoiding clarity might feel kind in the short term, but it often leads to confusion, resentment, and lost opportunity. If you care about your people, your business, and your mission - be clear.
Because in leadership, clarity is one of the kindest gifts you can give.
Ryan Giles
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