 Social science research in recent years has shown startling patterns about lying: everyone does it and the impetus for lying is usually governed more by opportunity than by character. http://www.npr.org/2017/03/27/520997346/everybody-lies-and-thats-not-always-a-bad-thing
While most lies begin small, they can explode into large scandals, corruption and ethical violations, ensnaring once well-regarded companies in political and economic tangles.
“Setting the stage for honesty is more effective
than asking someone after the fact whether or not they lied.”
The latest research has important implications for leaders. Most of you need to rely on your staff to be honest, to tell you the truth about company results, goals and assignments. Yet how do you know if you’re getting the straight scoop from employees?
One of the interesting findings of the research on lying is that asking people to commit to honesty beforecompleting a task – say an IRS form, for example – leads to more honest answers than asking them to assure you that they’ve been honest after they’ve completed the assignment.
What Should You Do?
Leaders have to rely on information from those they lead and they need to make certain that the information they are forwarding to other stakeholders is trustworthy. Consider the following:
- First of all, be aware of the prevalence of lies – especially small ones and install multiple systems for checking on the information you are given. Never rely on one source.
- Second, consider finding diplomatic ways to make sure that people agree up front to be honest, not at the end of a discussion or statement.
- Third, emphasize character as a leader. Model the honest behavior you want to instill in your people and watch yourself to prevent accidentally falling into shading the truth.
 Did You Know
All of our management and leadership classes help leaders build ethical behavior in those they lead.
Learn more about our training offerings and check out our team members at:
Read Lynne’s book “We Need to Talk” – Tough Conversations with Your Employee
and learn to tackle any topic with sensitivity and smarts.
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May 22, 2017
