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I got a call from a client who hurt my feelings in the past and in order for me to move forward, I told her this. Why did I open my mouth when the cardinal rule is to keep it shut?  Because, I was either going to turn it into a good relationship or opt for no relationship at all.

There have been many instances in business when I have left things unsaid and in hindsight it was the right decision. They have either worked themselves out or have given me valuable insight into the character of the person I was dealing with.

Being honest and being forthright are not the same thing.  One is foundational the other is strategic.  One defines you and the other defines how you work with others.  Business is emotional, rational, intuitive and strategic.  It demands finesse. But what relationship doesn’t?