Ever wonder if being your authentic self at work might sometimes do more harm than good? The delicate balance of authenticity and diplomacy in leadership. From discussing the rare contexts where pure honesty works, to sharing personal anecdotes about navigating the consequences of unfiltered truth, this episode unpacks how transparency can impact your team, brand, and personal relationships. Find out why being your true self might only be great advice 6% of the time and how effective communication can save you from unintended fallout.

Resources:
Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
Website
https://www.startups.com/begin
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

Join our Network of Top Founders
Wil Schroter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
Ryan Rutan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

What to listen for:
01:01 The Consequences of Unfiltered Honesty
01:26 Generational Differences in Professionalism
02:44 The Power Dynamics of Founders
04:45 Balancing Honesty and Diplomacy
06:01 The Luxury of Honesty and Risk
08:04 The Importance of Filtering Communication
12:56 The Duality of Professional Personas
15:21 The Consequences of Honesty in Leadership
16:19 Balancing Honesty and Diplomacy
17:10 The Importance of Empathy in Communication
18:26 The Cost of Unfiltered Honesty
19:51 Frameworks for Effective Communication
20:55 Lessons from the Terminator: Choosing Responses Wisely
22:07 The Role of Diplomacy in Leadership
28:17 The Medium Matters: Hot, Warm, and Cold Communication
29:56 Prioritizing Outcomes Over Authenticity