Every day, within an organization, we exchange hundreds of messages.
An email. A conversation. A comment in a meeting. A Teams message. A project update. A concern about a colleague, a client, or a process.
Each interaction may seem small, but together they shape something much bigger: our culture.
There is a well-known story, popularly attributed to Socrates, that suggests passing what we are about to say through three simple filters:
Is it true? Is it good? Is it useful?
Regardless of its origin, these three questions remain remarkably relevant today. In the workplace, they can become a simple guide to better communication, stronger trust, and more collaborative relationships.
1. Is it true?
Trust begins with the information we share.
Before communicating a fact, a conclusion, or even a perception, it is worth asking ourselves how much we really know about what we are saying.
In a professional environment, verifying before sharing helps prevent rumors, misunderstandings, and decisions based on incomplete information.
That does not mean we need to have every answer. It is perfectly valid to say, “I’m not sure,” “I need to confirm that,” or “This is my perspective.”
Transparency also means understanding the difference between a fact, an interpretation, and an opinion.
2. Is it good?
“Good” does not mean saying only positive things.
Organizations need difficult conversations, feedback, disagreement, and questions. What matters is how we approach them and the intention behind them.
We can ask ourselves:
Does what I am about to say help build something?
Does it respect the people involved?
Am I trying to solve something, or simply amplify the problem?
A healthy culture does not avoid uncomfortable conversations. It learns how to have them with respect, empathy, and accountability.
Because we can be direct while still being constructive.
3. Is it useful?
This may be one of the most important filters in our daily work.
Before sending a message, escalating a conversation, or adding more information to a process, we can ask:
Does this help someone understand, decide, solve, or move forward?
Useful communication provides context. It reduces noise. It supports better decisions. It connects teams and turns information into action.
In a company where people, teams, countries, and capabilities work together, communicating with purpose is essential to staying aligned.
Three Questions, One Culture
At LinkAmerica, we talk about connecting people, processes, and possibilities.
But those connections are not built only through platforms, technology, or infrastructure. They are also built through every interaction we have with one another.
When we make sure our communication is true, we strengthen trust.
When we aim to make it good and constructive, we strengthen relationships.
When we make it useful, we help turn ideas into decisions and decisions into results.
We do not need to turn every conversation into a philosophical exercise. Sometimes, three simple questions are enough before we speak, write, or share:
Is it true?
Is it good?
Is it useful?
Three small filters that can make a meaningful difference in the way we communicate.
Because culture is not built only through big statements.
It is also built through the words we choose every day.