“Never be afraid to let someone know if they brightened the room they just walked into. Or if something they said inspired you to change..” – Donna Ashworth, “LIFE”

One thing which amuses me ,as to why people are afraid of saying the “truth” to others. It is like someone in the family sings very beautifully and can mesmerise you with her voice ,but we are not ready to say it to them.

I can understand not talking negatively or criticising people, in public. I think it makes sense to appreciate people in public and criticise in private. But, nothing tells us not to say good things about others, as and when it happens.

My son can brighten a room and make people feel positive, wherever he goes. This a positive trait and I admire it in him. I have told him many times and wish I could develop this positive trait too. There could be similar qualities in your family or friends circle. But, most of us are reluctant to tell them.

We tend to appreciate someone, behind their back but are reluctant to tell them ,when they are around. I have never understood this psychology ,amongst human beings. Even parents, do not generally easily appreciate, anything good in their kids. They may even appreciate the neighbours children but not their own. On the other hand, they will pounce on the child ,even for an accidental mistake.

Our life should be like a transparent glass. We should be able to see others and others should be able to see us and our behaviour. The more open we are and more openly we say it, the more ,we will be respected.

Even in organisations, the leaders, who give you feedback on your face, with real life examples are appreciated more than those, who camouflage their feedback and try to shoot through ,others’ shoulders.

I can understand the reluctance ,when there is a negative feedback to be given. But what prevents us from sharing positive feedback. Why cannot a captain ,tell a player that she has played well and we won the match because of you. Or her sportsperson spirit is worth emulating by everyone in the team.

We get ,what we give in life. If we say good about others, we get back good. This does not mean ,we fake about others. If we are not authentic and honest, nobody is going to believe us. We will lose our own personal credibility ,by our behaviour.

The best of leaders in organisations and society, do not hesitate to say what they like and what they see as positives, in others. This makes them adorable and even when they give feedback for improvement, they are taken very seriously.

Let us start practising this with our family and friends from today. If we spot, something good, let us resolve that we will say it and never keep it within our selves. This will not only motivate others but also make us feel good.

Let us just “say it” from today.

S Ramesh Shankar

22nd June 2025