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Be Straight Up
Yes, that sounds like a cliché, doesn’t it? But it’s not. Being straight up means being honest and forthright—but always with compassion (see Idea 91).
Assignment
Practice being straight up. Read Idea 91.
That means telling people—those who ask—what you really think. Not rudely, crudely, or meanly, but in a constructive way.
People actually appreciate honest, straightforward views, even if they differ from their own. In fact, people respect those who are constructively “straight up.” We often feel we can trust them, because they will tell us what they really think, and not just what they think we want to hear.
As long as what you say is respectful and shared with sensitivity, a straightforward conversation can strengthen your ...

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