Nice isn't always kind

Nice and kind are not the same thing.

Nice avoids the hard conversation to keep the moment comfortable.

Kind has the hard conversation because you actually care what happens to the person.

I've watched leaders confuse the two for years.

(I used to do it too!)

We call it being supportive.

But it isn't.

Vagueness feels gentle for you.

It just isn't gentle to the person receiving the feedback.

It moves the discomfort onto them, later, when it's harder to fix.

The best thing you can offer someone is the truth, delivered like you're on their side.

Because you are.

Say the thing.

Kindly.