Jordan shared this Harvard Business Review article on Twitter recently. There’s a lot of great advice that leaders within organizations should take to heart.

This particular passage hit really close to home:

Problem spotters don’t especially enjoy bearing bad news, but they do it to advance the organization. To help you, the leader. Maybe it’s because they have a different perspective, or a fresh take based on that spot in the world where only they stand. Maybe it’s that they are better at expressing the issue, where others struggle. Stop making it so hard on them to help you.

Address the message not the messenger.

I really dig this twist on the existing maxim from Elizabeth Ayer:

Here are 4 reasons that radiating intent is better than begging forgiveness:

• Radiating intent gives a chance for someone to stop you before you do a thing, in case it’s truly harmful
• Radiating intent gives people who have information, or want to help, an opening to participate
• Radiating intent leaves better evidence of your good will
• Radiating intent shows others that adventurous behavior is acceptable in the org.

Her note on inclusivity is a good reminder for anyone dispensing advice to others:

I also don’t believe that “ask forgiveness” is inclusive advice. If you are from a group who has historically not been granted forgiveness, how is that going to land? Or if you’re in a group with cultural baggage around subversive behavior?

I was pleasantly surprised-not-surprised to see that Elizabeth works at 18F where they continue doing really important work building inclusive government services.