Telling the Truth

Lying has long been known as one of our less venerable characteristics to the extent where Moses deemed the habit "tablet worthy" and it landed spot #8 on the Ten Commandments. 

Think about it:  how many of us have called in sick to work when we weren't?  (58% more common around major sporting events) … whether you are extending an insincere compliment or making an excuse to get out of going to lunch, telling lies is insidious.     

Lying is incredibly common in business across the board - - Dodd-Frank was passed because there was so much lying on financial statements by CEOs. 

Sad to say, some of the best leaders are liars. Think of Steve Jobs' (reality distortion) and Larry Ellison's proclivity to proclaim a product was available when it wasn't—("vaporware!") 

Although lying occurs at the highest levels, there are consequences…some feel they will never get caught, but they do!

Bernie Madoff, Richard Nixon (lied to himself) "I am not a crook!" Bill Clinton, Elliott  Spitzer, Mark Sanford and Arnold Schwarzenegger come to mind. 

Remember:

• a story repeated often enough becomes undistinguishable.
• we are great at self-deception!
• today, automated systems can track lies and cover-ups

Lying truths:

• can compromise credibility, integrity, trust and damage relationships/reputations, kill careers.
• about small things begs the question, what else might you lie about? 

Top reasons for lying:

• closing a deal
• appeasing customers
• covering up - mistakes/failed projects
• covering up - for another employee
• explaining tardiness and absence
• denying knowledge of an event/situation
• keeping the peace
• fearing consequences

Remember, when you lie, the lie not only needs to be believable, but proven and then remembered!

When you lie you invariably end up dancing.  Therefore, be prepared to put on the dancing shoes because that’s what invariably happens.

Telling the truth may be harder in the beginning, but in the long run it is the right thing.

• requires less energy
• builds character.
• means you don’t have to worry about being caught (in a lie)
• you won’t have to tell more (cover up) lies

nor carry the burden of deception

It’s much harder to take an ethical stand and insist on honesty. 

The bottom line:  your reputation as an ethical person is central to professional success; word travels quickly.