Verified Quote

When we fail to speak honestly, we rob others of the truth they need to grow - Kerry Patterson
At its core, this quote means that silence isn't neutral. It's an active choice that withholds the very feedback or reality that someone else needs for their personal or professional development.
You don t have to choose between being Meaning Factcheck Usage

Verified Quote

You don’t have to choose between being honest and being kind - Kerry Patterson
The core message is that honesty and kindness are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary forces that, when combined, lead to the most effective and respectful communication.
Don t confuse honesty with brutality You can Meaning Factcheck Usage

Wise advice on Verified

Don’t confuse honesty with brutality. You can be candid without being cruel - Kerry Patterson
The core message here is that truth and pain are not a package deal. You can deliver a hard message without the delivery itself being hard on the person.
Silence kills When you choose not to speak Meaning Factcheck Usage

Wise advice on Verified

Silence kills. When you choose not to speak up, you’re choosing to withhold meaning - Kerry Patterson
At its core, this quote means that staying silent isn't neutral. It's an active decision to withhold your perspective, your data, your truth, and that act of withholding has consequences, often fatal to projects, relationships, and trust.