Member-only story
What You Need to Hear
I’ve never been one to say what you’d like to hear. I’ve always been the one who says what you need to hear. I’m accustomed to being uncomfortable all the time — being who I am, where I grew up, and where I continue to live, can sometimes be challenging.
I’ve been fortunate to have been surrounded by amazing people who embraced that concept. On a personal level, occasionally I am reminded that it is not cool to mention where I came from.
Initially people didn’t like my answers, although weeks, months, or sometimes years later, some came back to thank me. I’ve come to live with and accept that I don’t do it for them, I do it for me. I must do the right thing based on the information provided and what I know, and give feedback that makes the best sense at the time, based on that information.
On a business level, sometimes the information I share is not the most popular, but I know that “most popular” does not mean that it’s the right thing to do.
It’s important to understand that sharing and accepting information comes with responsibilities.
No matter where you are or what you are doing, please know that before you say or do anything, you should consider if you truly understand all the circumstances. Do you have the appropriate insights and details needed to make the decision or provide information?
