4 Ways Being Brutally Honest (Without Being Rude) Will Get You Far in Life

“One will not break through to the enemy with theory. Directness is most important, when in front of the lion’s den…”

— Rati Tsiteladze

I was raised by two wonderfully direct and brutally honest parents from New York City and Jersey. And despite the common contempt native mid-westerners or Californians have for the direct and sometimes brutally honest communication style of a native New Yorker, there is much to be learned from a Tri-state area native.

Here are 4 Ways being brutally honest (without being rude) will get you far in life:

1. You know where you stand
   A good sales person’s job is to satisfy an unmet customer need. Once needs are recognized (and there is buy-in), the salesperson closes the customer and asks for the business. This is the perfect example of being direct. The same goes for interviewing for your dream job or asking for a promotion. Yes, no, or maybe.. You know where you stand.

2. People will respect you more
   Being direct and sometimes brutally honest (without being abrasive) pays off major dividends in business and in life.
   
   People will respect you for being direct and honest with them. And if they are put off or insulted by your directness, it may be a sign to move on to greener pastures.

3. It sets the tone
   Being direct and honest (especially when you have concerns or questions) in your professional life is a great way to foster a culture of transparency in any business, especially a start-up (especially if you run the show).

   
   It also sets the tone for new hires and builds loyalty within your team.

4. It gets you out of your comfort zone
   Being brutally honest with your co-workers is not an easy thing to do. But it will get you out of your comfort zone. Great things happen when you take a risk and challenge the status quo. One caveat: pick your battles. Enough said.