Clarity: Clear Is Kind, Unclear Is Unkind

Clarity.

We often soften hard messages to be “kind.” We hedge. We hint. We hope they get it.

But clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.

One of the patterns I see most often in coaching: a leader gives vague feedback, thinks they’ve addressed the issue, then gets frustrated when nothing changes. But the other person left the conversation having no idea what was actually expected.

When we’re vague to protect someone’s feelings, we’re actually protecting ourselves. We leave them confused about where they stand and call it kindness.

The kind thing is to be clear. Even when it’s hard.

Where could you be clearer?