About this quote

Truth matters more than which side you choose. Say the name of the problem and stop protecting it just because it comes from your team. Check facts, call out the action calmly, and accept that you'll sometimes lose friends for being honest. That cost is part of holding power and people accountable.

When to use it

• At the safety meeting, when management tried to downplay a hazard, I told my coworker this and filed the report with HR.
• When my uncle excused the family's tax dodges, I used the line to make him stop defending the behavior and talk facts instead.
• Before the primary, I said this to friends when our preferred candidate defended shady deals, so they understood why I couldn't vote for them.
• After the coach let a star player routinely break rules, I brought this up to push for consistent discipline on the team.