Kevin Kelly’s “Excellent Advice for Living” has a lot of great thoughts in it, and I really liked this one:
If you think that something “goes without saying,” it is usually best for everyone if you just go ahead and say it.
This made me think of two things.
First, it should always be done with kindness. Sometimes the thing that “goes without saying” could have a negative slant to it, and I’m not suggesting you should be a jerk. Kind candor can be a great approach in those situations.
Second, if it “goes without saying” that someone is doing great work, say it. It’s like the first clip in this video from “The Office”:
If you can’t see the clip, Michael Scott is talking quietly to someone about Pam and says:
“I would never say this to her face, but she’s a wonderful person and a gifted artist.”
Oscar has the right reaction, replying with “Why wouldn’t you say that to her face?”
Clarity is always king, and saying the things that “go without saying” is often a simple way to make sure everyone is on the same page.
