Cars.com Commercial 2014 - Conference: Stupid Plan!

One of the realties of working in corporate America is that there is a perception that all former military types are black and white, right and wrong, no room for gray etc. It is a falsehood rooted in the notion that we all just follow orders and do as we are told etc. Nothing could be farther from the truth though. That notion feeds the "blunt" narrative which is just a subtle way of dismissing what you might have to say.

There is also a strong desire in the civilian world not to deal with the brutal reality (when it is brutal) but to candy coat things to make it more appealing to the masses. Organizations want candor and directness until it does not confirm to the strategy/direction etc.

There is a saying I have used for many years...There are two types of candor, relative and terminal. It is a short way of saying that too much candor in front of the wrong people is terminal and normally relative candor will serve you better. Relative depending on the people and subject you are talking about. It is a reality that while many companies will say they want your ideas/input/feedback etc., what they really want is your conformity. That works better for them.

On my most first ncoer I was told the same thing by my Lt.;because my soldiers say I expect things to get done when I tell them what needs to be done. And if asked my opinion on a situation I dont always agree with the "pack". So that makes me wonder why ask or have someone give direction if your just going to put them down

I would not offer my ideas or input if there was no scrutiny and/or judgement... otherwise I'd just be talking with myself. I do that all the time anyway...