The difference between being rude and giving constructive advice

As a leader you are often times asked to give your opinion of something or feel you should give some constructive criticism to someone on your team.  This does not give you the right to be rude or to go about being tactless and negative.
  
If asked your opinion by all means be truthful but always show empathy because we never know what a person is going through without walking in their shoes.
  
I was taught as a child that if I had nothing good to say then I should not say anything at all.  Being a leader does not give me the right to harshly criticize or talk down to anyone. On the other hand if I am asked for help with something I will carefully listen to the question and answer so that I fully understand the question.  Jumping in without knowing or understanding the issue is neither helpful or appreciated.

So what does this mean?  It means we should take the time to listen, to think before speaking, and then to be ready to give a constructive answer rather than just knocking someone down.  Sometimes we do need to be a bit more direct to someone only so that they can become more aware of their need to improve themselves but think before you speak (or type).