Same with John Pluthero at C&W. I was working there at the time and John was well-known for being brutally honest (his management style was one of the reasons he took over when C&W bought Energis, despite him running the much smaller Energis). It's a while ago now, but he was right at the time and I don't remember anyone disagreeing.
I prefer straight honesty in social dealings, but it is vital in business, even when that is my bossing telling me I did crap, or me telling the boss I think he's wrong. Arsing around gently in business contexts, not giving info that would help even if unwelcome, is plain damaging.
