Is it that hard to Deal with the Truth and Feelings?

I recommend a great book (and also the training) which I read several years ago and I understand it is still a top choice book used as mandatory read by several employers. The books is called Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson (Author), Joseph Grenny (Author). www.crucialconversations.com

Here are a few reasons why the book should be a MUST read for everyone wishing to improve communication, relationships, team performance, etc.

1. Prepare for high-stakes situations with a proven technique
2. Transform anger and hurt feelings into powerful dialogue
3. Make it safe to talk about almost anything
4. Be persuasive, not abrasive
5. Improve nearly every professional and personal relationship
6. Yield major professional improvements in areas like productivity, quality, safety, diversity, and change management

I am much more interested in being "politically correct" and "tactful" than necessarily telling someone the entire truth. I think "sugar coating" is extreme, but when giving someone feedback, I am a strong believer that feedback is heard best when sandwiched between two compliments.

For instance, "I appreciate that you are such a team player in our office, however, what I need for you to work on is producing more XYZ gadget instead of helping your co-workers with their projects."

Is that what you mean by "sugar-coating", when the supervisor in the above example really wanted to tell his employee to stop goofing around and get his work done? Instead, he gave his feedback in a nice, respectful, tactful way that he knows will be heard and taken to heart.

What are your thoughts? Do you have any examples?