They have their own opinions expressed by business partners.
In the early days of building my company, before imitation of the team’s retreat, the company’s values or anything – I landed a client that I thought would change everything. Domestic name is a farewell budget. Access to the rooms I just dreamed of.
They were anxious to move charming, quick and quickly. “We will work on the details later,” he said. And I – said yes, excited, hungry – yes.
This was my first mistake.
Yes i say yes NiceI didn’t ask to set boundaries. The scope of balloons increased several times. Instead of guideing the relationship, I chased it – reaction, more and faster was misused. When the deal was over, they disappeared. No thanks. No follow up. No other thinking.
The work was fine. Experience? An expensive lesson.
Problem with “good”
Good easy Good polite Good boat does not cry. But when the Nice replaces explanation, it becomes dangerous.
Masks the truth in a good language. It reduces useful stress. It delays the discomfort and multiply the damage.
We once worked with a DEI compliance firm that brought a celebrity spokesperson and created a full brand without looping us. When they sought the opinion, we smiled and shook our head. It was not good. But they were proud, and we didn’t want to hit the pace.
A few weeks later, he hired an adviser who told them the right truths that we didn’t. They heard. He acted. They lodged – without us. Not because we failed, but because we remain silent.
Here is the irony: they Desired True. Most clients do.
Related: Why sympathy is an important business skill (and how to develop your progress)
What is the silence you cost
In a business landscape where 89 % of users are more likely to engage with companies who respond to all reviewsSilence does not study as professional skills – it reads as non -interest.
In digital marketing, sugar coating is not kind – it is negligence. It stops honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversation that is in fact Move the work forward.
Another client brought us a new website from another firm. It looked like a scam, template, and clearly, like a scam. I softened the feedback. Instead, I called the red flags, a joint opponent benchmark and outlined the dangers. This moment of honesty saved them tens of thousands-and we gained their long-term confidence.
True: a strategic benefit
Honesty is not just moral – it’s strategic.
We once worked with a board game company whose leadership resisted every advice. We adjust them, afraid of over -stop. Result? The campaign flopped.
So we reset the relationship. We told them, “You hired us for our skills.” “Let us guide – or let us go.”
The moment changed everything. Confidence changed the tension. The strategy began to click. After the results. Because the truth does: it reopens, rejects and rebuilds.
Why do we stay silent (and how to stop)
Most of us were raised: “If you don’t have to say anything good, don’t say anything.” But in business? A better rule is:
“If you don’t have anything fruitful, wait until you do so – and then say it clearly.”
Without sympathy, honesty is twice aside. Without honesty, sympathy is manipulative. But together, they create influence. The way you gain confidence, changes, and makes flexible teams.
You do not need to be offensive to be direct. But you Do You have to be brave.
Forming a culture where the truth is not prohibited
It’s not just about client service – it’s about internal culture. In my agency, we guide the candle. Not because it is easy, but because it makes strong teams. Teams that feel empowered to listen, respected, and speak.
Once, a client gave comments that he stabbed. Before the next call, I told my team: “See how we address it-with respect, without compromising on our values.” On the call, I told the client that his comments had worsened. Not shy to inform just not to inform.
“Our team likes to work with you,” I said. “Let’s make sure they feel respected.” Result? Sorry, a cookie bouquet, and a client who now guides with the same transparency.
Want to be better in telling the truth? Start here:
- Back in it: Make feedback in your process. Don’t wait for the destruction.
- Teach it: Direct, construction communication is a skill. Train your team as it is important – because it happens.
- Model This: If the leadership is not honest, there will be no other.
Certain thinking
Being good can win a smile. But being honest leads the results.
Lead with sympathy. Tell the truth. And build client relationships that are not afraid of friction, but are designed to grow.
In the early days of building my company, before imitation of the team’s retreat, the company’s values or anything – I landed a client that I thought would change everything. Domestic name is a farewell budget. Access to the rooms I just dreamed of.
They were anxious to move charming, quick and quickly. “We will work on the details later,” he said. And I – said yes, excited, hungry – yes.
This was my first mistake.
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