Do Not Punish People for Being Honest with You

If someone tells you something difficult and your first reaction is anger, defensiveness, or withdrawal, you've just taught them a lesson: lie next time. Honesty is a risk. When someone takes that risk with you -- especially when the truth is uncomfortable -- how you respond determines whether they'll ever do it again. You don't have to like what you hear. But if you want people who tell you the truth, you have to make truth safe.