Tough topics require men & women talking face to face. We talk man to man, so to speak. This is very much a lost art in the world of work and even moreso in the never ending but rarely connecting communications of everyday life. We humans take the easy way out and today’s technology takes easy to whole new levels.
Tough topics require you to look another in the eye, be incapable of spinning any bullshit, and attempt to speak and listen for truth. Tough topics require you to tune in like an animal being stalked. Tough topics require you to understand your own prejudices and lean against ’em. Tough topics require you to hear the “yearning” not the bitching in the voice and tone of your brother, bride, or boss. Tough topics require you to throw away your assumptions, remain open, and fight your fears of letting something in that could hurt your sense of self. Tough topics require you to man up, my friend.
Tough topics are NOT for twitter. Tough topics don’t text well. Tough topics aren’t left on voicemail. Tough topics don’t travel well through the mail, whether snail or email. Tough topics aren’t private message material. Tough topics are not best delivered from your phone even if, God forbid, you actually use your voice!
Tough topics are best delivered man to man, so to speak. Real men TALK. Real women TALK. Many text. Mini…
Every day I talk to men and women who prefer hiding behind their technology. These humans are playing small. They are on the road with and toward mini. They are becoming less of who they are, but it feels good living in false harmony. It feels good living a lie, becoming a bit less but oh so comfortable, until suddenly it’s NOT. Suddenly, they can’t take it anymore and they explode. The tough topic gets covered but it comes out ugly and messy. Anger and frustration are not the wrappings you wanta deliver tough topics in. Oh sure, the message gets sent. The problem is it’s greeted with the Heisman. Return to sender, here it comes…
Today, man up. If you gotta tough talk to have with a teammate it ain’t getting easier tomorrow. STOP lying to yourself and those you love. Take the time to talk. Tune in. Speak the truth in love, not anger. Use few words. Listen and lean in. And, shut your technology off while you do. Unplug. Write what you learn. And, remember…
Men talk. Mini text…
BUILT TO LEAD 
Toto…. To reinforce your point here are a couple closing lines from 2 of the shortest books of the Bible from one of its most famous authors in his elder years — we would be follow the example of his wisdom.
“Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full.”
-2 John 1:12 (NASB)
“I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.”
-3 John 1:13-14 (NASB)