New Delhi: Bollywood actor/Entrepreneur Suniel Shetty has recently posted a very insightful piece on LinkedIn that attracted the attention of thousands of professionals and young minds in India. His message was straight and concise, truthful talks are better than civil silence.
Suniel said that he loves working with the youths as their energy and curiosity keep him in check and motivate him to work. Their questions make me straight, he said, and most of the days I get to learn more of them than they get to learn of me. Yet there is one thing that he never does, when something is not working, he states it clearly but politely.
Suniel Shetty’s Take
He indicated that most individuals in the modern world do not like to have difficult discussions due to the fear of compromising the peace or stepping on someone. But as he says, the postponement of truth only increases issues. He told me to avoid a difficult conversation as the longer we put it off, the costlier the error.
I like working with and being around young people.
Their energy rubs off on me. Their questions keep me honest.
Most days, I learn more from them than they do from me.
But there’s one thing I never skip. If something isn’t working, I say it. Kindly. But with clarity.
We’ve all become very good at being polite. Sometimes too good. We like to keep the peace, avoid the hard talk, and hope time will fix it.
It rarely does.
The longer we delay a tough conversation, the more expensive the mistake becomes. For the person. For the team. For the work we do together.
Honest feedback doesn’t have to be harsh. It just has to be real. Specific. Timely. And offered with the intent to help, not to win.
I often say this to those I work with. I will always cheer for you. And when needed, I will tell you the truth. Because that is also a way of cheering.
Most people don’t need a speech. They need one clear line. “This part is going well. This part isn’t. Here’s why.”
That simple conversation can change a scene, a pitch, a plan.
If you lead people, make honesty a habit. If you’re starting out, ask for it. Don’t settle for “good job” when what you really need to say is “fix this.”
Sugar feels nice in the moment. Substance builds you for the long run.
I owe a lot to the seniors who were straight with me. And I try to pass that forward.
Not to be tough. Not to be nice. To be useful.
According to Suniel, feedback does not have to be rude or harsh, it simply has to be real, specific and timely. He thinks such leaders say the truth in a caring way and with a purpose to assist others rather than to show that they are right.
“I will always cheer for you. And I will speak you the truth when there is need.”
His post gathered more than 4,600 reactions and 470 comments within just 7 hours…
His message was accepted and many professionals shared their thoughts.
According to CA and marketer Anant Sekhsaria, the majority of the issues do not require time but a single honest conversation.
Entrepreneur T.M. Musavvir further contributed on the same with the view that honesty is a strong tool, yet time and context are even greater to be considered.
It was beautifully put by a motivational coach Amita Chauhan: the most incredible mentors do not sugarcoat, but make you.
Suniel Shetty is not just an Actor, but also a known entrepreneur…
A successful businessman and investor besides being a famous Bollywood star. His past has included the establishment of a number of ventures, the first one being the fitness and wellness brand of MFitness, followed by restaurants such as Mischief Dining Bar and Club H2O, and even Ferit Cricket Bash, a league of fitness and sports enthusiasts in the country.
These businesses have made Suniel to be associated with promoting health, discipline and good work ethics which are evident in his post. He usually coaches young entrepreneurs and athletes that he challenges them to speak with sincerity, patience and awareness.
