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Is Honesty Good in Business?

  • Writer: Terry Dockery
    Terry Dockery
  • Oct 10
  • 2 min read

As host Rod Serling might have said in his introduction to the old science fiction/thriller TV show The Twilight Zone: “Imagine a world in which businesspeople are completely honest with each other. It could happen, but only in The Twilight Zone.”

 

We businessfolk are all trained to lead with power and positivity and to hide vulnerability so we can strike that all important business deal. But if you agree that business success is ultimately about relationships, do people really want to be in a relationship with someone who is less than “honest”?

 

It seems we have a conundrum on our hands. At one end of the distribution, we have a complete lack of honesty, and that always creates complete distrust. At the other end we have complete honesty in which you just say whatever comes to your mind, and this insensitivity to social and business context can lead to people feeling hurt and angry with you. That doesn’t bode well for developing a trusting business relationship either.

 

So, what is the right balance for honesty in building strong business relationships? First and foremost, your greatest responsibility is to take care of yourself and your family. Being honest is the right choice if it furthers that goal. It’s not your job to fix all the wrongs in the world, and those who try often pay a high price for their efforts. In particular, speaking truth to power sounds good on paper, but it doesn’t always have a positive outcome.

 

Some thoughts on honesty in business:

 

·         As a leader, create a culture in which honesty is rewarded rather than punished.

·         Don’t be dishonest yourself and then expect your followers to be honest.  

·         It’s okay to brainstorm, but don’t give other businesspeople unsolicited advice.

·         Show vulnerability only when it creates trust and mutual benefit.

 

The bottom line is that honesty can be a powerful tool in achieving a win-win outcome in business—but use it wisely.

 

Don’t be a stranger. (770) 993-1129. tdockery@TheResolveFirm.com

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