The Kindness in Being Strict

 I believe that telling someone something difficult or harsh is an act of kindness.

Of course, insulting people, trying to assert dominance, or pointing out minor mistakes is not about being strict—it's just harassment.

However, being strict with someone means that you have high expectations for them and are maintaining a high standard for them. If I ever felt like saying, "I've had enough," I wouldn't feel the need to say anything, but I speak up because I want the person to change, to grow, and to take on greater opportunities and responsibilities.

I think one of the issues in society today is that there are fewer adults who can be kind by being strict—who can engage with others in a way that balances autonomy with the need to address difficult truths. Again, the strictness I’m talking about here is about telling someone what they need to hear for their own sake, not engaging in aggressive communication.

Is it really a problem if someone leaves the company because they were told something difficult? For example, being late even by a minute means stealing someone else’s time. If we don’t convey this now, when will we? Will someone who doesn’t value time succeed at our group or in another company? I don’t think so. What’s wrong is wrong. It doesn’t matter if someone is young, a friend, or a part-timer—what’s wrong must be corrected.

Being able to be strict not for yourself or your team but for the sake of someone else’s future—this kind of kindness is, I believe, one of the ways our group can provide value to society.


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