Share Truth

Leadership and the Art of Sharing Truth

One of my favorite definitions of leadership comes from Executive Coach Randal Stutman: “Making people and situations better.” It’s a simple yet profound way to think about the essence of leadership. Last week, I explored the critical importance of relational connection in leadership. While connecting relationally is foundational, it’s not the endgame. If we stop there, without fostering growth or change in people or situations, we’re not truly leading—we’re simply building relationships.

Leadership requires a second step after establishing relational trust in ministry or business: sharing truth. In ministry, this might involve presenting the gospel to someone unfamiliar with it. In business, it could mean highlighting an opportunity or suggesting a needed improvement. Regardless of the context, sharing truth is about bringing fresh insights to the table. But here’s the key: how we share truth often matters as much—or even more—than the truth itself.

John Maxwell captures this concept brilliantly in The 16 Laws of Communication:

• Thoughts help us prepare the truth.

• Feelings influence how we deliver it.

• Actions leading up to the moment shape the credibility of the truth we share.

Maxwell’s insights remind us that our emotions directly impact our communication. Non-verbal cues, which make up 55% to 90% of communication (depending on the research you follow), reveal just how much our feelings affect the way we convey truth. This underscores why relational connection is so vital before moving into the truth-sharing phase.

I’ve seen both the successes and failures of truth-sharing in leadership. Early in my career as an inner-city police officer, I worked under two vastly different sergeants. One, whom I admired deeply, set high standards and inspired his team to rise to them. The other, while easygoing, failed to lead effectively. My most vivid memory of this second supervisor was a year-end evaluation where he suggested I seek external training opportunities. It would have been sound advice—except I already led the watch in training hours, often on my own time and dime. A closer look revealed he had copied another officer’s review, name and all. He might have been technically “sharing truth,” but it lacked connection, credibility, and ultimately, impact.

Effective truth-sharing combines authenticity, trust, and a focus on action. As basketball coaching legend Mike Krzyzewski, known as “Coach K,” wisely said:
“People are not going to follow you as a leader unless you show them that you’re real. They are not going to believe you unless they trust you. And they are not going to trust you unless you always tell them the truth and admit when you were wrong.”

Relationally connected truth is powerful 

Steps to Sharing Truth Effectively

If we’ve established care, connection, and good intentions, we can focus on refining how we share truth. Consider these strategies:

1. Cultivate Self-Awareness and Authenticity
   Start by being honest with yourself about your thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This self-awareness builds the foundation for genuine communication.

2. Set Clear Intentions
   Before speaking, ask yourself:

   • What do I want to accomplish?

   • What do I want them to know?

   • How do I want them to feel?

   • What do I want for our relationship?

3. Differentiate Between Facts and Perspectives
   Acknowledge that your truth reflects your perceptions. Present your insights with clarity and humility.

4. Create a Safe Space for Dialogue
   Encourage others to share their thoughts by listening actively and withholding judgment.

5. Practice Active Listening
   Prioritize understanding the other person’s perspective before formulating your response.

6. Be Specific and Direct
   Avoid unnecessary complexity. Clarity ensures your message resonates.

7. Embrace Silence
   Pauses can add weight to your words and give others time to process.

8. Express Care and Vulnerability
   Demonstrating genuine concern and openness fosters trust and encourages honest dialogue.

Leaders, how do you approach sharing truth with those you lead? What practices have helped you balance connection, clarity, and action in your leadership journey?