Beyond Blame: Christine Carrillo on Direct Communication for Business Leaders

In a recent LinkedIn post, Christine Carrillo explores the nuances of direct communication for business leaders, arguing that true directness is about achieving company goals efficiently rather than simply stating one’s immediate thoughts.

Carrillo begins by challenging a common misconception: most leaders equate being direct with saying precisely what they think. She counters this idea, stating in her post:

“Most leaders think being direct means saying exactly what you think. It’s not.”

According to Carrillo, the essence of effective directness lies in establishing the most efficient route from a company’s needs to its desired outcomes. She outlines key elements to remove for achieving this:

• Remove the blame
• Remove the hedging
• Remove the softening
• Remove the justification

Carrillo emphasizes that this approach fosters a problem-solving environment rather than one of defensiveness. She notes that a significant number of leaders fail to grasp this distinction.

The Pitfalls of Blame in Leadership Communication

To illustrate her point, Christine Carrillo recounts an anecdote about a founder who misapplied directness during a critical product review, just three weeks before a product launch. The founder’s initial communication was blunt and focused on the negative consequences.

“I can’t sell this. This launch is going to fail.”

Carrillo points out that while these words might have been factually true, their delivery caused the team to shut down, halting progress. This illustrates a common leadership failure where the delivery of a message, particularly one laden with blame, can be counterproductive.

Reframing Directness for Problem-Solving

Carrillo then presents a contrasting approach, demonstrating how the same urgent message can be delivered constructively. The founder’s second attempt at communication reframed the issue to focus on solutions.

“All the good work here would be undermined if we launched now – how do we set this up to succeed?”

This revised message, Carrillo argues, conveyed the same urgency and truth but shifted the focus from blame to collaborative problem-solving. As she explains, “You’ll get more people to move when you speak by removing the blame.” This strategic reframing encourages engagement and proactive solutions, rather than eliciting defensive reactions.

The Impact of Communication Style on Business Outcomes

Carrillo’s insights highlight the critical role of communication in leadership effectiveness, particularly in high-stakes situations. By stripping away blame and justification, leaders can create an environment where teams are more likely to focus on solutions and drive towards company objectives.

Her post serves as a valuable reminder for leaders that the *how* of communication is often as important, if not more so, than the *what*. By mastering the art of direct yet constructive dialogue, leaders can significantly improve their team’s ability to overcome challenges and achieve success.