Old School

Principle 5: I Speak Plainly

Mantra: No exaggeration. No evasion. No gossip. And frankly, no bullsh*t.

Daily Practice:

  1. Choose precision over drama. Say ‘The meeting was challenging,’ not ‘It was a disaster.’ Say ‘Revenue declined 15%’ instead of ‘Sales collapsed.’ The facts will always outweigh hyperbole.
  2. Address issues directly with the relevant people. If you have concerns about Pete’s performance, talk to Pete or their manager, not to colleagues who cannot solve anything, but the gossip and lack of real data might make things worse.
  3. Ask yourself: ‘Is this true, necessary, and kind?’ before speaking. Not every true thing needs saying, but necessary things should be said truthfully and with consideration.
  4. Plain speech builds trust faster than clever words. People relax around those who mean what they say. Clarity creates confidence but ambiguity breeds suspicion.

The remaining principles and more explained in Old School. Instant. Kindle. Budget. Worldwide.

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