Swallowing frogs and Project Management

I think there is a line between "biting one's tongue (BoT)" (swallowing a frog) and being true to oneself and others. Sometimes BoT is the easy way out and/or suits the immediate need however if not careful it can come back and "bite your ass" (another useful expression).
I believe there is a subtle difference between admitting an error and "swallowing the frog". Admitting an error is honorable however refusing to assign blame may be considered "biting the tongue.
I see "political correct" (PC) as a totally different concept. This is where you attempt to conform to cultural norms rather than serve project or personal needs. A cultural norm may dictate 50/50 split between male and female staff however your preference would be to base human resources solely on merit.
A good project manager understands the differences and considers project impacts - be true to oneself as a first priority, bite ones tongue when necessary and allow for for cultural norms as appropriate.
Hopefully I achieved all three herein.

Dear Daire
Obtained for sharing your opinion with us

Sometimes not swallowing frogs or hand is politically correct for exactly the reason you described: the job staying at stake

Dear Luis,

The this would go back to the discussion thread on free speech in the workplace. If we cant speak up for fear of losing our jobs then the concept of free speech does not then exist in the workplace.

People should not be afraid of the truth if they have nothing to hide. Again like minded people seem to congeal together so if one person has something to hide then they all must have something to hide. It would be like unraveling a ball of string and trying to find the centre.

Daire

Hi Luis, I too had to look up what swallowing frogs meant.

I recently had an experience where a resource manager said they no longer had resources for my high profile project in front of other managers. Yet when I escalated the situation, I was told by him that workers from his department were now available. I wanted to call him a liar but decided to take the high road since I will have to continue working with him in the long run and I need to continue a respectable relationship with him.

This is one of the reasons I enjoy this site so much - I learn about other cultures, different sayings, various perspectives. PMI was very wise to create this platform for us. It is so important for us to have a place where we can communicate with one another and learn from one another. I make mistakes every day - I try not to, but I do - when I do, and when it is appropriate - I apologize. Sometimes I bite my tongue and don't say respond because it is not politically correct - but most often I am quiet out of respect. Sometimes I have to admit failures. I can relate to all these things. The main things I focus on are being honest, respectful and genuine.

Definition of "free speech": - say whatever one wants, wherever one wants to whomever one wants - regardless of circumstances or consequences.
Speech has to be tempered by social norms and one must consider the circumstances.
If you want complete free speech than you have to accept the consequences be they job loss, social exclusion, or worst. If you can't accept the consequences keep you mouth shut and let others carry the load..

Dear Peter,

There is a difference between Free speech and standing up for what you believe in which is what the power of free speech is suppose to protect. Free speech and opinion go together as well as free speech and educating and informing people.

As we grow older we lose our innocence of childhood which is not aware of what we call social norms. This is probably the last time we are truly honest to ourselves. Everything afterward is conditioned by who is around us, what they may think and how you maybe perceived. It is in all honesty living a lie and living in a bubble of our own making. Maybe its time to step of this self imposed exile, wake up and be ourselves. That is probably the hardest task for us all to deliver.

Daire