There is no other way of guarding oneself against flattery than by letting men understand that they will not offend you by speaking the truth; but when everyone can tell you the truth, you lose their respect.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Leaders need truthful advice but often lose respect if they encourage bluntness from subordinates.
- In plain terms
- You need truth to avoid flattery, but speaking truth can annoy leaders.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance honesty with respect in feedback.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you tolerate hard truths?
- How do you give feedback?
Another view
True leaders should value truth over their ego.
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