You feel it but you don't want to say it.You might hurt them.You might say the wrong thing.

No matter what words you pick or what tone you use, whatever comes out of your mouth is going to be interpreted by the lens of the receiver.

You're allowed to try to get it right, but you're not allowed to belabor over the delivery.

Here's one easy sentence you can steal to precede difficult conversations:

"I care about you so much, I have to tell you this. I don't know if I'm using the right words so stick with me, I just have to make sure I am being totally honest with you because I respect you and you deserve no B.S."You can steal this and retool it for your own use, since many flavors of this work.

2 Minute Action

Pick someone in your life who needs a dosage of honesty.

• Your supervisor.
• Your direct report.
• A long-time friend.
• A salesperson you just met 2 seconds ago on the phone.

You can be honest and respectful at the same time. It's your responsibility to make sure you're both if you want to improve this planet.As always, it starts with you and it starts right now.