> I care about being honest. Not brutally honest or performatively honest, just plainly honest about what works, what doesn't, what we know, and what we're guessing at.
This seems to be the most dangerous thing you can do based upon my experience. Unless you are the CEO or sole investor, the blowback from telling the simple, honest truth can be career ending these days. Brutal truth would often play better. Honest truth feels too real. Many startups are complete bullshit and at some level their leadership is aware and hyper sensitive about it. They just don't want to admit it to themselves. The moment you force them to accept reality, you risk stopping the music for everyone involved.
If you are interested in the actual truth and doing things honestly, working for yourself is pretty much the only option. The truth generally sucks ass. Strategically, it is probably better to figure out a way to keep the lie going while you figure out a path for yourself.
From a game theory perspective, this strategy is compelling because if you're wrong about it you still win. The moment you start making accusations of not delivering customer value the cost is severe. Even if you're right you can lose big. Silence can be the most effective tool if you are interested in the long game.
