They waffled. They wanted to preserve people's feelings by not letting the specific people know. That way, it looks like they're looking at everybody, when real

They waffled. They wanted to preserve people's feelings by not letting the specific people know. That way, it looks like they're looking at everybody, when really, they wanted to get rid of these six guys. Let me correct. They weren't looking to preserve anyone's feelings. They were looking to preserve people's opinion of them. Because one thing I've found is that anytime someone says they did something "to not hurt someone's feelings", it's not the target's feelings they're worried about, it's their own. They don't want the target to have a negative opinion of them. Because they don't want to be the bad person. Or what they perceive as the bad person. But it leads to treating people like children. Which is disrespectful and causes resentment when things finally come to a head. Be simple. Be honest. Be direct. Be clear. If anyone harbors ill will towards you after that, that's their hangup, not an actual reflection of you.