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Honesty Speaks Loudly in Many Languages

Guest post by: Ian Vickers

Article Overview: Honesty being a component of integrity is a leadership characteristic with a universal value...leaders looking to lead effectively will not overlook its significance.

Honesty Speaks Loudly in Many Languages

Lately I've been thinking about the leadership characteristic of integrity. Several years ago, I worked for a leader who lived out that quality. In fact, if you looked up the word "integrity" in the dictionary, I think you'll see his face posted next to the word. It was great working with a person I could trust - knowing I could believe what he said and that his motives were true. I recently traveled to China with four businessmen to participate in an ethics and management forum for Global Partners in Hope (GPiH). During one of our luncheons, two of the men had a very lively discussion about honesty in the workplace, with both agreeing it was extremely important.

As I watched their animated conversation in which they talked excitedly and nodded their heads in agreement, I was blown away by how strongly they felt about this issue. One of the men said, "Hey, if an employee will lie about a small thing, then count on them lying about the big stuff, and I can't afford to have employees who are dishonest." The book of Proverbs in the Bible states, "It's better to be poor than a liar." I think we underestimate the impact of a lie and how it affects relationships.

During the forum in Beijing, one man told of how dishonesty had affected both himself and his family. He spoke with tears and it was clear he was wrestling with how to function with real integrity in his business.

Honesty is important in most cultures, but how we define honesty can be confusing. What one might call "negotiations" another culture might call a "bribe." In certain cultures, negotiations are expected as a rule in business. For example, at the Silk Market in Beijing, a person is expected to barter for a certain product. If you don't, it's not "sporting" or much fun. Most of the fun is in the bartering, right? There seems to be a clear definition between a negotiation and a bribe. The merchant would not consider this process as being dishonest.

How about in the workplace when an employee who calls in "sick," but he or she actually is just fine and simply took the "sick" day to play tennis. Is this acceptable? Should we just accept this in the workplace? Should an employee lose their job over a "little lie"?

A line should be made clear in the workplace about honesty and what is acceptable. The leader has the responsibility to model this for those they lead. Why? Because it builds trust, and trust is the foundation for healthy relationships. If trust breaks down, then relationship will break down. Employees want a leader they can trust and employers want employees they can trust.

Regardless of the responsibilities of a leader, some leadership characteristics have universal value. Honesty is a key component of integrity, and any leader looking to lead effectively will not overlook its significance.

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Article Tags: business, dishonesty, honesty, hope, integrity, leader, leadership, management, negotiation, trust, work ethics, workplace communication, workplace environment



Related Forum Posts
Re: Building an Advisory Board - Steps 5 & 6 - [quote="TheRainmaker":2iirlscv]6) Ask for Honesty. while honesty to me, should not be something you have to ask for, in some cases it pays to be really really clear about what honesty means to you and to the others in your group. you have to allow everyone to express their thoughts and ideas, openly and frankly. this is no time to take things you dont like personally. I like to ask my board members what their mistakes on a certain topic were. It helps me learn from them and not have to face it the hard way on my own. If you foster open communication and honest feedback, focussing on problem solving and resolutions (not defending the mistake etc.) you will get further ahead than you even dream possible. Remove the EGO's from the room if you can. And always remember, the board came together because they believe in you, your business and your integrity. Capitalize on it![/quote:2iirlscv] Hi Jude, How do you interpret "honesty"? By that I mean, let's say you ask your advisory board if they like or dislike your new product and someone says "yes, I like it". While that person maybe telling you the truth...how do you go about deciphering the true meaning behind the comments made in an orderly fashion? Saying "I like it" could mean multiple things like: a) That advisory board member personally likes the product and would buy it, and thinks your target market will love it too. b) That advisory board member personally dislikes the product and would not buy it, but thinks your target market will love it though. c) That advisory board member personally likes the product, but not enough to buy it, yet he/she thinks your target market will love it though. etc. There's no time to ask each advisory board member more probabing questions to get out the complete "truth". So what do you recommend?
Building an Advisory Board - Steps 5 & 6 - hello Again! I am happy so many of you are interested in this thread. It is a great idea to build an advisory board and one that I know will generate many results for you. Step 5 & 6 are quite frankly housekeeping issues, but they are important. 5) Get the most out of your advisory board meetings. Prepare meetings well in advance. Set an annual calendar and make sure everyone is committed to being there. Chose a site that is comfortable and free of distractions as well as has the amenities you need. We once held a meeting at my house, which was a nightmare with dogs, and cats wandering around, the phone constantly ringing and my husband and son showing up early. Never again! Set an agenda with careful thought, get input on it and send any materials out well in advance of the meeting. You dont want your advisors reading stuff at the meeting. Meetings should be for good discussion, idea generation and action planning. Follow up the meeting with minutes and/or a formal action plan. Dont be married to your clock but also make sure you run the meeting effectively and dont abuse people's time. If you say meetings end at 8pm - make sure you are on time. If you think you are going to run over, get everyone to agree to that in advance. (even if its 7:30 you could say, I think we need to spend more time on this tonight. does anyone have an issue with staying past our 8pm time for tonight?? if you have step 6 working good - you'll get honest feedback) 6) Ask for Honesty. while honesty to me, should not be something you have to ask for, in some cases it pays to be really really clear about what honesty means to you and to the others in your group. you have to allow everyone to express their thoughts and ideas, openly and frankly. this is no time to take things you dont like personally. I like to ask my board members what their mistakes on a certain topic were. It helps me learn from them and not have to face it the hard way on my own. If you foster open communication and honest feedback, focussing on problem solving and resolutions (not defending the mistake etc.) you will get further ahead than you even dream possible. Remove the EGO's from the room if you can. And always remember, the board came together because they believe in you, your business and your integrity. Capitalize on it!


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