And whilst the people you are reporting to (in this case the project sponsor) may very well be upset if you tell them the truth, once they have gotten over the initial disappointment, they will trust you more for being transparent with them.
This can actually open the dialogue more with them, allowing them to see how they can manage expectations in the future or seeing if you needed more time all along.
Even if they are upset, they can respect that you gave them the information they need to proceed accordingly.
“Managing optics” is usually code for choosing short-term comfort over long-term integrity. It feels safer, but it quietly taxes trust and compounds risk.
The simple reframe of telling the truth, naming what changed, and saying what it will take, isn’t just braver. It’s faster.
And whilst the people you are reporting to (in this case the project sponsor) may very well be upset if you tell them the truth, once they have gotten over the initial disappointment, they will trust you more for being transparent with them.
This can actually open the dialogue more with them, allowing them to see how they can manage expectations in the future or seeing if you needed more time all along.
Even if they are upset, they can respect that you gave them the information they need to proceed accordingly.
There is nothing that shrivels my soul more than choosing to manage optics instead of confronting the real issue.
Excellent read!
“Managing optics” is usually code for choosing short-term comfort over long-term integrity. It feels safer, but it quietly taxes trust and compounds risk.
The simple reframe of telling the truth, naming what changed, and saying what it will take, isn’t just braver. It’s faster.