Hi Marvin. I can relate. It is tempting to want others to toughen up and adjust to my preference. One time I expressed this to a mentor who countered by asking me how often that was effective.

I don't agree that being diplomatic is necessarily sugarcoating. My mentor's words compelled me into a new level of reflection and development. I had to ask myself what I was willing to adjust in order to be effective and authentic at the same time.

Coincidentally, the Lead Change Group's founder, Mike Henry, writes on exactly this today. You can find that post here: http://leadchangegroup.com/leading-change-requires-attitude-adjustments/

Marvin, thank you for sharing your comments.