Helpful vs Hurtful

Honesty isn’t the problem—

How you deliver it is:

Most people don’t mean to be hurtful.

But the wrong delivery can
turn truth into damage.

Before you speak, pause
and ask yourself one thing:

Is this helpful or is this hurtful?

Here’s the T.R.U.E. test to guide you:

🟪 Truthful
→ Honest, not harsh

🟨 Respectful
→ Care about the human, not just the point

🟦 Understanding
→ Share with empathy, not ego

🟧 Essential
→ Say only what helps, nothing extra

Here’s the part most leaders miss:

Helpful leaders make people
feel safe enough to improve.

Hurtful leaders make people afraid to try again.

The difference isn’t skill.

It’s intention, delivery, and self-control.

If you want your team to grow—your words
have to feel safe enough for them to listen.