3 Times To Tell It Like It Is And Not Be Too Nice

For many of us, it isn’t always easy to give our honest opinions. We might be afraid that we’ll hurt someone’s feelings or say something “stupid,” but being too nice can sometimes be worse for us than being blunt. A study published in the Journal of Personality showed that being too nice can actually lead to destructive behavior. This doesn’t suggest that you should be mean, but there are times when you should tell it like it is…

When you feel uncomfortable
A guest at a party says something offensive. A co-worker makes a mistake and asks you to cover for him if your boss asks about it. Speak up! If you keep it to yourself, you’ll just end up angry and resentful.

When you want to get noticed at work
You’re in a meeting or brainstorming session and someone’s idea isn’t quite right. You want to springboard off the suggestion, but you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts. Your manager will see that you are a team player, and the collaboration could lead to amazing things. After all, two heads are better than one.

When someone asks for your opinion
Your friend asks if you think she should cut her hair short, and you don’t think it will look good. A colleague wants you to proofread his cover letter, and it needs major improvements. You want to make them feel good, so you don’t say what you really think. Don’t. If they didn’t value your insight, they wouldn’t have asked for your feedback in the first place.

 

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