Always tell the Truth, Even When You Disappointed

I am lucky to receive a number of books sent to me from well-wishing authors.

Undoubtedly, the fact that I make it known that I read 200 books a year helps this along. Recently, though, this situation brought me into a bit of a sticky situation when I had to be upfront with an author about what I really thought about his book.

One day, I received a note from an author about a new book on blogging he had written that he wanted me to share with folks. I love blogging, and have often talked about how blogging has, in some shape or form, been a part of my professional career since 2006. It has brought me great opportunities; I recommend it to everyone and love telling people how to start their own blogs. I also love reading books on blogging, and so I said yes.

Yes! I'll gladly read your book and consider supporting it.

But that's when the problems started. Because I read it, but I didn't like it. Sure, it had its moments, but overall it wasn't for me, and it certainly couldn't hold a candle to the likes of my go-to blogging book: Darren Rowse's Problogger.

So I was faced with two options.

1. Explain to the author that I kindly was not able to support this particular book, but wished him the best.
2. Avoid conflict by sharing the book anyway, crafting an innocuous statement that didn't betray my true feelings.

Although the part of me that like to avoid conflict and disappointing others at all costs thought hard about #2, ultimately I had to go with my heart (and my gut). I told him it wasn't for me, and he didn't take it well. He was angry. And offended. And I quickly realized that this particular author truly believed that sending me a free copy was an assurance of an endorsement.

At the end of the day, though, he wasn't the only one who walked away from the situation disappointed. 

After all, I do think he's doing great things, and I wanted to keep a kind, professional relationship with him. The whole situation got me thinking about how to best handle situations like this, when you know you are going to disappoint, but simply have to.

How do you tell the truth in business without letting others down? Have you found the secret?