When the truth hurts, when the truth feels uneasy, that’s when the duty of candor kicks in, because if you don’t, trust will be shaken and credibility broken.
What, then, is the duty of candor?
The duty of candor means telling the truth clearly and responsibly, even when the truth feels less exciting. It means sharing real impact, real needs, and real challenges without exaggeration or shortcuts.
Does empathy do a thing here?
Yes, it does. It gives the duty of candor its human expression. It chooses words, tone, and timing that acknowledge people’s feelings when conveying the truth, and stays engaged after telling the truth.
While duty of candor ensures to tell the truth; empathy ensures that the truth is told with care. With both, you preserve dignity as you uphold trust.
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