“Frank and Fearless” or “Frankly Fearful”?
We’ve all been there. A moment arises when you need to offer advice. But instead of being frank and fearless, something holds you back. You soften your words, sugar-coat the message, or worse, stay silent. What should’ve been a moment of honest insight becomes “frankly fearful advice.”
Why do we do this? Most often, it's fear—of offending, of backlash, or of damaging relationships. We worry about being perceived as too blunt or making a career-limiting move. In a hierarchical organisation or where there isn’t a strong culture of openness, people may default to fearful advice, especially when they sense that constructive criticism isn’t valued. The stakes feel too high to speak freely. Power dynamics and a lack of psychological safety make frank advice seem like an open invitation for trouble.
But here’s the rub: when we give advice based on fear, everyone loses. Fearful advice leads to missed opportunities and problems that quietly fester until they’re too big to ignore. We pretend everything will be fine, even when we know it won’t.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
So how do we shift from “frankly fearful” to “frank and fearless”?
Leaders play a huge role by creating an environment of psychological safety—where people feel secure speaking their minds—and by making honest advice a natural part of the conversation. Leaders can model vulnerability by admitting mistakes and welcoming feedback, especially from those lower in the hierarchy. Recognising and rewarding fearless advice, even when it’s hard to hear, also sends a powerful message that truth is valued over comfort.
For all of us, reframing how we give advice can help. Instead of thinking, “I don’t want to offend,” try, “What’s the most constructive way I can help?” It’s not about harshness; it’s about helping teams and individuals grow through real, thoughtful feedback.
Ultimately, frank and fearless advice builds stronger relationships and better outcomes. And yes, while it takes courage, the long-term benefits are worth every brave word.