Hey design dashers, today, we’re diving deep into something that most of us avoid—candid conversations. Let’s be real, how many times have you sugarcoated feedback to avoid hurting someone’s feelings? I know I’ve done it more times than I can count. But here’s the thing: being overly positive doesn’t always help. Sometimes, it actually hinders growth.
Melissa and I get into the nitty-gritty of how we’ve each learned (or are still learning!) to have tough conversations in the workplace. I’ll admit, I’m the eternal optimist—I want to spin everything in a positive light. But Melissa? She’s the master of direct feedback. Together, we break down why it’s so crucial to strike the right balance between honesty and kindness, especially when leading a creative team.
We’ll talk about the importance of creating a culture where feedback flows freely, why sugarcoating can actually be dishonest, and how each of us has had to adapt our styles to better lead our teams. Melissa doesn’t hold back when she says, “If you’re always positive, you’re not being honest.” That one hit home for me.
What We Discuss In This Episode:
The Fine Line Between Optimism and Honesty
In this episode, we dive into the challenge of maintaining positivity while being truthful. As Melissa puts it, “If you’re always positive, you’re not being honest.” We unpack the tension between offering constructive criticism and wanting to avoid hurting someone’s feelings, especially in creative fields where emotions run high.
The Role of Direct Feedback in Leadership
Melissa and I have different leadership styles. I tend to soften my feedback, while Melissa prefers to be direct. “Am I too nice?” I wonder aloud as Melissa counters, “I’d rather someone just tell me what I’m doing wrong.” This contrast sparks a deeper conversation about how each of us navigates giving and receiving feedback. How do you decide which approach is more effective—especially when leading a team?
Creating a Culture of Constructive Criticism
We also talk about the importance of fostering an environment where feedback is not only welcomed but encouraged. At LaRue Design Collective, we’ve implemented structures like success plans to help facilitate these conversations. “It’s not about nitpicking,” I explain, “It’s about offering tangible ways to improve.”
Does Feedback Vary in Personal vs. Professional Settings?
Interestingly, Melissa and I explore how candid conversations play out differently in our personal lives. Is it easier to be direct at work than with friends or family? We both agree that personal dynamics bring in more emotional nuance, making these conversations even trickier. “Sometimes you just have to ask—do you want advice, or do you just need to vent?”
If you’re a creative leader—or just someone who’s struggled with giving or receiving feedback—this episode is for you. We get real about how hard these conversations can be and share the strategies we’ve put in place to make them a little less daunting. And yes, we even dive into how all of this translates into personal relationships (because let’s be honest, the way we communicate at work isn’t always the same as at home).
So, how do you balance optimism and honesty without losing the heart of the conversation? Join us as we break it all down in a candid, no-holds-barred chat that might just change the way you lead.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:
The DesignDash Podcast is sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Monogram is a long time partner and go to for us at DesignDash, as well as our design firm, Laura U Design Collective. We love them because they believe in three main pillars that we, as creatives, can easily get behind: sourcing superior Materials, offering high-quality Performance, and taking Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and homeowners.
