Last week I talked about feedback, but have you ever been in one of those conversations where you feel you’ve skirted around the truth and avoided the real issue?

Don’t let it happen again as avoidance really does undermine trust and connection.​

​This is what happens when we dance around the real issue. We create:​

😟 Emotional fog: Avoiding hard truths creates ambiguity, leaving people to interpret tone, intention, and meaning on their own.​

😟 Erosion of trust: When issues are skirted, people sense the gap, even if it’s unspoken. It breeds caution, not connection.​

😟 Loss of learning: Without naming what didn’t work, we miss the chance to grow, recalibrate, and build shared understanding.​

😟 Cultural drift: In organisations, avoidance becomes contagious. It signals that discomfort is dangerous, rather than developmental.​

​And I know you’re going to love this antidote because it’s a simple and courageous tool!! It’s my go to prompt….​

​“What worked well?” and “What would make it even better?”​

​This isn’t just feedback – it’s an invitation to:​

✅ Celebrate strengths without slipping into flattery or vagueness.​

✅ Surface tensions in a constructive, non-blaming way.​

✅ Models courage by naming what’s missing, while holding the relationship intact.​

✅ Embeds reflection into everyday conversations, from performance reviews to party planning.​

​And this is why it works…​

🙂 It’s psychologically safe: The “even better” phrasing avoids blame while still inviting critique.​

🙂 It’s scalable: You can use it anywhere​.

🙂 It’s values-aligned: It honours truth, growth, and mutual respect.​

​I’d like to leave you with a request…

The next time you feel the urge to soften, sidestep, or sugarcoat some feedback, try this instead. Ask what worked. Ask what could be even better.

You might just find that honesty, when framed with care, becomes the most generous gift of all.