Think Straight, Talk Straight
When I began my career at Andersen, I was introduced to the company's principle of "Think Straight, Talk Straight." Initially, I was skeptical of simplifying complex ideas into catchy phrases. Still, over time, I've come to appreciate the value of "Think Straight, Talk Straight" as a guiding principle for navigating challenging situations. This concept is a valuable tool for me to reflect on when dealing with complex problems; I use it almost daily.
"Think Straight, Talk Straight" captures the importance of clear and honest communication in any professional setting. At its core, the phrase reminds us to always be thoughtful and deliberate in our thinking and to always be honest and transparent in our communication with others.
The value of "Think Straight, Talk Straight" lies in its ability to promote trust and understanding between individuals and teams. We can approach problems and challenges with a clear and compassionate mindset when we think straight. We can consider all of the relevant information and make well-informed decisions.
But thinking straight is only half the battle. It's equally important to talk straight. Honest and transparent communication is key to building trust and understanding with the people I work with. By being upfront and clear in my communication, I can avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications that can cause delays, mistakes, and missed expectations.
"Think Straight, Talk Straight" is a mindset that helps build trust, promote understanding, make better decisions, and lead compassionately. It's a vital approach for any nonprofit leader to lead with integrity and purpose. As nonprofit professionals, every single one of us is in the relationship and reputation business. Being thoughtful in how we think through complex challenges and communicate with our constituents and colleagues is a key to moving our missions forward and leading our organizations.
I am grateful for having "Think Straight, Talk Straight" in my bag of tools that I use every day.