---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I am very honest with them - with an…"
description: "\"I am very honest with them - with an understanding that I'm doing them a disservice if I'm not telling them what I see. At the same time trying to reme..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/801/kim-zmeskal-67131_children_i-am-very-honest-with-them-with-an-under_3015506.png"
---

#  I am very honest with them - with an understanding that…

![“I am very honest with them - with an understanding that I'm doing them a disservice if I'm not telling them what I see. At the same time trying to remember that they're people and they're children and you know they are going to have off days and that's something that I feel like I've had to work…” quote by Kim Zmeskal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/801/kim-zmeskal-67131_children_i-am-very-honest-with-them-with-an-under_3015506.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/801/kim-zmeskal-67131_children_i-am-very-honest-with-them-with-an-under_3015506.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/801/kim-zmeskal-67131_children_i-am-very-honest-with-them-with-an-under_3015506.png)

> “I am very honest with them - with an understanding that I'm doing them a disservice if I'm not telling them what I see. At the same time trying to remember that they're people and they're children and you know they are going to have off days and that's something that I feel like I've had to work on as I've gone down the coaching route.”

[Kim Zmeskal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kim-zmeskal/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Balancing honesty with empathy, recognizing that truthful feedback can be harsh but necessary, while also remembering the humanity and vulnerability of those being coached.

**In simple terms:** Be honest but kind, acknowledging their humanity.

Key Takeaway

Speak truthfully, yet compassionately.

Themes

honesty empathy coaching vulnerability growth

Mood

reflective supportive

Type

advice motivational

When to use this quote

- team meetings
- one‑on‑one coaching
- performance reviews
- mentor relationships

Key Concepts

psychology communication leadership

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you frame honest feedback to protect morale?
- When should you prioritize empathy over candor?

A Different Perspective

Over‑emphasis on honesty may damage trust if not tempered with sensitivity.

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