In our house, hockey has always been the family sport. But lately, my two boys have taken a growing interest in football. One evening, my wife snapped a photo of my son Ethan and me, mid-conversation. To anyone else, it may have looked like just another parent-and-kid moment on the sidelines. But to me, it carried a lesson that resonates far beyond sports.
Ethan was frustrated. A few things had been bothering him — issues that most kids either keep bottled up or turn over to their parents to solve. In the past, I might have stepped in, made a call, or had the conversation for him. This time, I stayed quiet. I told him: You need to talk to your coach. It was not easy. But it was necessary.
There were no calls, no emails, no dad handling the problem. Just a 12-year-old learning to have a respectful, honest and direct conversation. That moment reminded me of an important truth: the same principle applies in the workplace.
Why candor matters at work
In business, we often avoid the hard conversations. It feels easier to gloss over problems, soften feedback or delay a tough decision. But avoidance does not solve issues — it magnifies them. Real growth, both personal and professional, happens when people face challenges head-on.
At Sgt. Clean Car Wash, I often reminded our team that we were not just building car washes, we were building people. Every day, we have opportunities to help team members grow into stronger leaders, better communicators and more confident individuals. That happens through candor.
Candor does not mean being harsh. It means being clear, direct and respectful. It is the courage to say what needs to be said, even when it is uncomfortable, because it helps someone else move forward. When leaders create an environment where candor is expected, trust increases, accountability deepens and people rise to the occasion.
Leadership is not doing the hard things for others
Too many leaders confuse support with rescue. They step in, fix the problem, and spare their people from discomfort. While the intentions are good, the impact is limiting. Leadership is not about doing the hard things for others. It is about creating space for them to do the hard things themselves. That is how people grow. That is how organizations get stronger. And that is how teams become resilient enough to thrive in tough markets and competitive industries.
Think about it: the leaders you respect most are not the ones who shielded you from difficulty. They are the ones who pushed you, challenged you and had the courage to be candid when you needed it most.
A call to action for business leaders
The next time you find yourself hesitating before a tough conversation — with a colleague, a direct report or even your own boss — ask yourself: Am I helping them grow by avoiding this? Or am I holding them back?
Hard conversations build stronger people. Stronger people build stronger teams. And stronger teams build stronger businesses.
As leaders, our responsibility is not to eliminate the challenges for those around us but to prepare them to face challenges with clarity, honesty and courage. On the field, at home, or in the workplace, candor is not just a value, it is a catalyst for growth. ●
Brian Krusz is CEO of CommandCORE
