“Clear Is Kind. Unclear Is Unkind.” ~Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead
Quick and to the point this week.
I love this article and her words resonate so much. Brené writes: “Over the past several years, my team and I have learned something about clarity and the importance of hard conversations that has changed everything from the way we talk to each other to the way we negotiate with external partners. It’s simple but transformative: Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.
I first heard this saying two decades ago in a 12-step meeting, but I was on slogan overload at the time and didn’t even think about it again until I saw the data about how most of us avoid clarity because we tell ourselves that we’re being kind, when what we’re actually doing is being unkind and unfair.
Feeding people half-truths or bullshit to make them feel better (which is almost always about making ourselves feel more comfortable) is unkind.
Not getting clear with a colleague about your expectations because it feels too hard, yet holding them accountable or blaming them for not delivering is unkind…” Full article here
To round out the last few weeks on boundaries, I thought I’d leave us with this mantra: CLEAR IS KIND. I personally think this is why boundaries are so helpful; people know that you say what you mean and mean what you say. They know you will honor yourself and your word. It doesn’t mean this work won’t feel vulnerable at times. (Brené is famous for her stance on rumbling with vulnerability.) There will be a need for self-compassion but commensurate growth in self-confidence, knowing that you can care for yourself honestly and show up for others in ways that are true for you.
Cheers to showing up clear and kind.
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