Today I witnessed something that alarmed me – something I’ve seen in many workplaces, and even homes.
People avoid uncomfortable truths. Especially those people in positions of authority.
Not because they are bad people. But because truth, when it arrives, disturbs the artificial peace they have built around themselves. It forces them to see what they’d rather ignore. It asks them to act when they’d rather stay still.
Years ago, one of my mentors taught me the opposite. He used to say, “Bring me the uncomfortable truth as soon as you see it. Don’t wait. Don’t soften it. Don’t protect me from it. If you do, you weaken me.”
He understood something many leaders forget: Leadership is not about maintaining comfort. It is about earning clarity. Artificial peace feels good. But it is dangerous – because it hides the cracks until they become fractures.
Real leadership demands the courage to invite the difficult, listen without defensiveness, and sit with truths that sting. Because when we embrace uncomfortable truths: we grow stronger, we make better decisions, we build trust, we cultivate cultures where honesty isn’t punished but valued.
If you are in a position of influence – even in a small circle – ask yourself: Do people feel safe to tell you the truth? Or do they protect you from it?
The answer to that question often determines the future of your team, your relationships, and your leadership. We must lead with courage, listen with humility, choose real peace over artificial comfort.
Smile and let smile. #LiftCulture
Smile and Let Smile 