Let’s face it—you don’t always tell the truth. In fact, you might lie more often than you realize, especially when it comes to saying something negative. It’s not easy to give honest feedback, particularly when that feedback could hurt someone’s feelings. Many of us fall back on the infamous “shit sandwich” technique: wrapping negative feedback between two layers of positivity. While this softens the blow, it often feels disingenuous and uncomfortable.
Why? Because we’re social creatures. We value harmony in our interactions and want to be liked. In a workplace, this desire for harmony often conflicts with the need for performance and alignment. Direct feedback can feel even harder when you consider your colleagues friends, sharing casual chats and team lunches. How do you separate personal connections from professional honesty?
Here’s where remote work offers a unique advantage. In a remote environment, giving feedback becomes less personal. You don’t have to face the discomfort of delivering criticism in person. Instead, you can write a concise, straightforward message. A two-line note stating what went wrong or what needs improvement can be direct without being harsh or personal.
This non-personal aspect of remote work makes it easier to practice honesty. And honesty, in turn, drives better business performance.