An onsite company class went down an interesting path a few years ago. The lead me to a realization that there is a very big difference between being respectfully direct in a business discussion and using the word “direct” as a Euphemism.
We came to the conclusion that Mr. Carnegie’s principles afford us ways to be respectful. The further realization was that sometimes people are simply rude, inconsiderate, arrogant, self centered and disrespectful of others and call that “direct”. These are the folks that will stomp all over a person and when they get called out on it they respond “well I can’t help it, I am just a direct person”.
When we utilize the Human Relations Principles from How to Win Friends and Influence People, we can be very direct and maintain respect and trust.