Even when it stings, honesty fosters trust, clarity, and real progress in relationships.

This is one of the key lessons I’ll explore in my next book: “47 Things We Learn From the Germans: Lessons From an Immigrant’s Eye.”

Do you have a story about brutal honesty shaping your growth? I do. In my book “ME, YOU, WE and DIVERSITY,” I share challenging experiences where, despite the discomfort, direct feedback helped me see where to start and how to grow.

Here’s a short story from a friend:

💬 “A few years ago, a German colleague gave me feedback on a project in a way that felt like a punch to the gut. He said, ‘This is not good. I don’t see the value here.’ No sugarcoating. No cushioning.

At first, I was taken aback. But after the initial sting, I realized two things:

✅ He trusted me enough to be fully honest.

✅ He was actually helping me by pointing out where I needed to improve.

A few weeks later, I presented a revised version. His response? ‘Yes. This is good now.’ That simple, that clear.

That moment taught me that brutal honesty, when given without malice, is actually a form of respect.

It saves time, removes misunderstandings, and drives real progress.”

Now to you: What do you think?

🖌️ Does brutal honesty foster trust?
🖌️ What’s the communication culture like in your country or workplace?

🎁 Share your thoughts, and you might win a signed copy of my book—either in German or in English. As you wish.