A throw-away phrase
Has a doctor ever told you, “This is medical. It's not personal.”?
No.
They understand medical is personal. Especially when it pertains to you.
So, let’s drop the phrase, “This is business. It's not personal.”
This cliché has masqueraded as an acceptable opener to tough conversations for far too long.
Suggesting that business isn't personal, damages your credibility and convinces others that you’re out of touch.
Work is intimately connected to our identity and our livelihood.
When it's time for the inevitable challenging conversation, resist defaulting to insincere platitudes to settle your nerves.
It only frays the nerves of your listener.
Align your words and actions with truth, even when that truth is difficult to share.
Business is personal. Especially when it pertains to you.