Bluntness is information-centric communication.

Sharing only the feedback without the social wrapping is high value communication. Lots of content packed into a short space of time. However delivered without the right structure and blunt information can destroy receptivity and lead to a low level of information transfer.

Bluntness is not demeaning or personal. It is not about hierarchy, position, or making one person small while another appears to be big. This type of ego-centric communication is not blunt, it’s mean.

High performance teams are blunt. They are also highly receptive. They are able to transfer information with minimal preamble and get the most out of each transaction.

High performance teams have high levels of respect and in turn high levels of safety. When safety and respect are present, members of a team know they are valued, feel secure in their place with one another, and are comfortable with to-the-point conversation.