“Frank and Fearless” or “Frankly Fearful”?
Gayle Smerdon, PhD
An author and keynote speaker on Workplace Culture and Wellbeing
We’ve all been there. A moment arises when you need to offer advice. But instead of being frank and fearless, something holds you back. You soften your words, sugar-coat the message, or worse, stay silent. What should’ve been a moment of honest insight becomes “frankly fearful advice.”
Why do we do this? Most often, it's fear—of offending, of backlash, or of damaging relationships. We worry about being perceived as too blunt or making a career-limiting move. In a hierarchical organisation or where there isn’t a strong culture of openness, people may default to fearful advice, especially when they sense that constructive criticism isn’t valued. The stakes feel too high to speak freely. Power dynamics and a lack of psychological safety make frank advice seem like an open invitation for trouble.
But here’s the rub: when we give advice based on fear, everyone loses. Fearful advice leads to missed opportunities and problems that quietly fester until they’re too big to ignore. We pretend everything will be fine, even when we know it won’t.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin luther King Jnr
So how do we shift from “frankly fearful” to “frank and fearless”?
Leaders play a huge role by creating an environment of psychological safety—where people feel secure speaking their minds—and by making honest advice a natural part of the conversation. Leaders can model vulnerability by admitting mistakes and welcoming feedback, especially from those lower in the hierarchy. Recognising and rewarding fearless advice, even when it’s hard to hear, also sends a powerful message that truth is valued over comfort.
For all of us, reframing how we give advice can help. Instead of thinking, “I don’t want to offend,” try, “What’s the most constructive way I can help?” It’s not about harshness; it’s about helping teams and individuals grow through real, thoughtful feedback.
Ultimately, frank and fearless advice builds stronger relationships and better outcomes. And yes, while it takes courage, the long-term benefits are worth every brave word.
领英推荐
Until next time,
If you like these articles, you might like to:
I help people create, capture and communicate great ideas to help companies grow
1 个月Such a powerful message! Fear-based advice might feel safer in the moment, but it ultimately holds back growth for individuals and organizations.?
Leadership Futurist l Strategist l Multiple Award Winning Author l Podcaster. Showing leaders how to navigate the future.
1 个月Having a good anchor phrase can help, like "I've noticed something that might be helpful to you. Might you be open to my observations?"
Facilitator | Speaker | Leadership Coach @ Trustologie | Founder
1 个月There are certain people who don't like feedback and can get defensive and angry. I agree with Dr Karen Morley that we have to find a way together to come to that middle ground. And to do that we do need to be "frank and fearless."
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COACH | I help high achievers beat burnout and find freedom | AUTHOR
1 个月It's a delicate balance Gayle Smerdon, PhD. I find asking permission to provide 'a suggestion' can be a friendlier way to advice-giving. (If I may give some advice... ??)