Generally speaking, tough love means caring enough about someone to tell them the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable to hear.
The intention isn’t to shame, humiliate or tear someone down. The intention is to help them grow, become more resilient, or avoid bigger problems later.
Tough love builds the resilience muscle.
The workplace won’t always cushion your feelings.
You’ll receive criticism.
You’ll be rejected.
You’ll fail.
Now… The measure of tough love isn’t how much it hurts. It’s how much it helps.
So… if you want to give someone tough love, especially to your people, remember:
• Genuinely care about the person’s wellbeing
• Tell them the truth they need to hear, not what they want to hear
• And deliver it in a way that shouldn’t destroy their dignity
Let’s have those difficult conversations and bring tough love back.
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
