40: Seasons of Growth: How Truth Tellers Shape Our Journey

read time 3 minutes

Welcome to the With Intention weekly newsletter where I share ideas & learnings to help you live & lead with intention

At a glance:

• The importance of truth tellers (a story)
• Begin the journey (a quote)
• Listen to understand, not reply (an illustration)

Seasons of Growth: How Truth Tellers Shape Our Journey

Good morning!

We've been soaking up the sun in Siesta Key, FL this week for a little spring break adventure.

It’s been an incredible time with the kids and our dear friends. Watching my children grow up—my son Gabe at 17, my daughter Reese at 15, and our youngest, Emerson, still the "little girl" at 11—reminds me of how fleeting these moments are.

There’s an old saying, "The days are long but the years are short."

In my travels, I often advised young fathers to cherish these fleeting moments. Honestly, the first few years felt endless. But once Gabe and Reese hit 12, time seemed to shift gears, accelerating with each passing year.

As they grow, our relationship evolves from parental to something akin to friendship, which has been a joy to witness.

Whatever season you're in, embrace it.

Those "long" days aren't just passing time—they're shaping us into who we are becoming.

This Week's Reflection: The importance of having truth tellers in your life

Back in 8th grade, I joined choir and show choir, the "cool" clubs at our school.

Our teacher, Mrs. B., made it fun, and many of my friends, who were talented singers (unlike myself), were also members. Despite my vocal limitations, I decided to perform a solo at a competition. Why?

I'm not entirely sure, but it turned out to be a pivotal experience.

During the performance, under the harsh stage lights and the gaze of my classmates, my mom, and friends' moms, I began to sing. Only seconds in, a judge halted my performance, offering me a chance to start over. No one else was stopped.

Finishing that song was perhaps the most nerve-wracking 90 seconds of my life at that time.

Later, I learned I was the only one who scored a "2," indicating I wasn't very good.

The ride home was tough. My mom delivered a hard truth with love: "Jon, this probably isn't your thing. Let's focus on school and sports."

It stung, but it was the guidance I needed.

Your Turn: The role of truth tellers

Do you have truth tellers in your life?

These are the people who see your potential but are also unafraid to point out where you might be faltering. They embody the principle of "truth in love," a concept I learned from leadership coach Chet Scott. As leaders—in business and life—it's crucial to not only speak the truth with compassion but to also be receptive to it.

Building sufficient relationship capital with your team and family enables you to deliver hard truths that can be genuinely received.

So, ask yourself: Are you fostering the right relationships to provide and receive honest feedback?

Truthtellers are invaluable.

Who are yours?

Listening to truth isn't always easy but it's important!

(image source: Roberto Ferraro)

Don't forget to follow along on Instagram as I drop new content every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am! 

Until next week, keep being intentional!

Jon Giganti Author. Speaker. Leader.

Attention requires a focused head.
Intention requires a focused heart.

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