Why is it that the connotation for candor has become synonymous with confrontation, crassness and carelessness? Direct, open, honest and timely conversations have seem to lost their place, especially in the workplace. People have come to rely on telepathic communication, implications or assumptions that others “should” know what we want or need. Because it may be uncomfortable to say something, we default to saying nothing. Or worse yet with the fear of offending someone we’d rather take the conversation offline and engage in side conversations in the corridor.
I applaud organizations who build candor into their culture, encouraging candid and direct conversations even if they are from different points of view. In these cultures candor is rewarded not penalized. It requires a work environment built on trust. Trust that there isn’t any hidden agendas. It also requires every employee, regardless of level commit to open, honest and timely communication.
With this commitment comes responsibility. Responsibly for communicating in a way that is centered around facts, communicating immediately instead of “squirreling” it away to unload later and communicating with the intent of creating mutually beneficial outcomes.
Candor is essential in every crucial conversation. The workplace is a prime environment for positively employing candor. So next time you are looking for a professional development goal, consider soft skill coaching on how to have candid conversations in the workplace.
