: Being frank is especially useful at the end of discovery sessions or when a "referee" is needed for tough business decisions.
The phrase "Being Frank" typically refers to the practice of open, honest, and direct communication. While honesty is generally a virtue, "being frank" requires a careful balance to ensure truthfulness does not cross into hurtfulness. The Core Principles of Being Frank Being Frank
: Try to bring in words like "you" or "your" as late as possible in a difficult conversation to reduce defensiveness. : Being frank is especially useful at the
: If you are worried about hurting someone's feelings, start by expressing how you feel (e.g., "I'm worried about...") before addressing the sensitive subject. The Core Principles of Being Frank : Try
: The primary challenge of being frank is finding the line between telling the truth and telling "too much truth". Truly "frank" communication is most effective when it includes kindness and empathy rather than just blunt facts.
: In high-stakes discussions like climate change or business research, "being frank" means delivering findings with integrity, avoiding the urge to "spin" information to make it more appealing. Cultural and Literary Contexts
: When delivering difficult news, it is often more effective to ask questions (e.g., "Could you explain what happened?") rather than making direct accusatory statements.