Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Oftentimes, the most incredible value we can add to other people is telling them the truth, showing them where they can grow, and helping them change. Some people spend years around colleagues, friends, and even family, being resented, but are never told about their problem or given a chance to change and grow.
Discussing with people and telling them their short comings isn’t easy. And there’s no guarantee that they will be honest about their problem or change their behavior. There’s a strong chance that you will have to let them go.
Truth has no special time of its own. Its hour is now – always. If you have a problem with someone, do something as quickly as possible. Don’t be vague. Don’t use secondhand reports. Don’t attribute sinister motives to them because they will only get defensive. In fact, go into the conversation assuming that the motives are good. This is more likely to make them open to change and willing to make corrections.
If you are having trouble making that decision, ask yourself this question: “If I needed to make friends with these people knowing what I know now, would I still make them my friends?”
If the answer is yes – keep them.
If the answer is no – let them go
If the answer is maybe – reevaluate in a short time.
If the answer is I don’t know – give yourself time.
Our emotions sometimes make it difficult for us to make and accept hard decisions.
Don’t ever regret being honest!
Truth is the safest ground to stand upon and build lasting relationships in any area of life.
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.
We are all leaders in our various fields, irrespective of what we do, and we owe it to ourselves to make tough but healthy choices daily!