About five and a half years ago, I wrote about gifts and risk.
Honesty is a gift. It’s in short supply and high demand. Paradoxically, I wonder if it’s a gift we really want.
“No, I don’t want to play your gig. I don’t like the people you pick to play with.” That’s an honest reply a musician might give to a band leader. That reply (almost) certainly gives that mad musician a bad reputation.
“I am unable to accept your gig. Thanks for thinking of me. You might find some musicians on this Facebook group…”. That response is value-adding and may give you the musician a positive reputation.
Honesty appears to be a net positive when combined with kindness and tact.