One of those uncomfortable responsibilities is to have difficult conversations with people. They include talks with your staff, your superiors, your clients and other professionals you rely on. Whether you are just beginning your career or ready to retire, your responsibility is to speak the truth.

People depend on you to be honest and truthful. If you can’t or don’t, you diminish your professional stature. We all know people we can rely on to be honest and frank. We also know people who we know won’t tell the truth because it’s uncomfortable.

Of course, being human, you try to dodge this uncomfortable professional obligation by dredging up a host of “reasons.” You say things in code, like:

• I don’t want to hurt their feelings. Code for I’m chicken.
• I’m too busy and don’t have time. Code for I just don’t want to.
• It’s not worth it because I’ve mentioned it already. Code for I did my part.
• The last time was such a disaster. Code for I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.
• I’m waiting for the right moment. Code for hell will have to freeze over.

In actuality, you either won’t confront your own uncomfortableness or develop the skills to do it well. Either way, it’s more about you than your concern for another.

Which of these excuses is your fav? If one of your colleagues were to make an honest, frank observation, which would they identify with you?

Step up and fill your professional obligations of delivering honest, clear feedback so people can develop. They aren’t messing up or under-performing just because. They need your guidance, support and…your honest, truthful conversations.