Faith4Business

Tell the truth. It seems like this should be pretty obvious, right? Unfortunately it is not. Most of us tell our kids frequently to be honest and to tell the truth. We actually punish them when they are not. However, how honest are we? I mean really. How common is to hit “ignore” on a phone call when we see who is calling and we just don’t want to deal with that person at that time. Later we explain we were in a meeting or we were on a conference call. I know to many this may seem trivial but in reality this is just the start. Where does this lead? Small deceptions easily morph into other situations and more elaborate excuses that may carry consequents that are unseen at the time. The truth is sometimes cumbersome, awkward and even embarrassing. Is it worth it to tell the truth even in the small things? Does it matter? 

The following is a true story:

Last year I attended a meeting of which a colleague was to give a marketing presentation to provide promotional direction for our team. The person was given several weeks to compile data and seek input to analyze a promotional initiative and present a recommendation. The task was not an easy one and most of us realized it. When the person began their presentation it was quickly obvious to everyone that they were not prepared. Most of the presentation was incomplete and data was missing.  When the person was questioned as to where the data was that they had compiled the reply given was that they had recently had a computer problem and they were unable to work on it. As the presentation moved on other questions arose that they were not prepared for and they did not have the reference materials in hand. Again, when questioned as to where the data was they replied that it was in their room at he hotel and they had just gotten locked out. Conflicting with their excuse given just minutes before. This was a painful situation to watch, as it was obvious to all that this person was in a panic and was not being truthful. It was sadly obvious that this highly paid and highly experienced professional was lying to the entire group and the boss. In fact, it was so obvious that this situation became the brunt of numerous jokes in the months that followed. The point is that this person was assigned a difficult task and most of us knew it. If they would have arrived that morning and presented what they had come up with and enlisted the group to provide feedback I am sure they would have had a different result. I am sure they would have not lost the trust of their superiors. They could have presented what they had come up with and used the time to brainstorm the issues to find a viable solution. Everyone including their boss would have understood and helped to alleviate the situation to find a solution. Unfortunately, that is not what happened and now six months later that person has been quietly and uneventfully re-assigned to a lesser role. Not because of incompetence but because of the lack of trust.

How do we get to the point that lying to cover up fear of failure or lack of insight or even lack of preparation becomes a viable alternative? Day after day of “white lies” that are mostly insignificant and rarely carry a penalty can lead to days where telling the truth would have avoided consequences.

 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 

  John 8:32