Summary: One of the foundational elements of a thriving workplace is truthfulness. Honesty not only fosters trust and respect but also promotes transparency and accountability, essential components of a healthy work environment. Here’s how telling the truth can help sustain a positive culture at work.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
My team and I tell the truth to each other all the time at work.
However, we NEVER speak truth to power!
That means, the CEO and Founder, his Chief of Staff, and the Chief Financial Officer, who are the main ones who run the company, only see us smile and say “Sure, of course, will do, whatever makes you happy!!”
Lately this has been getting old.
The masks we wear are like rags.
I love how you talk about the power of telling the truth.
“Telling the truth is NOT spilling your guts! It is a disciplined form of communication” Sylvia Lafair
Please give me and my team a tutorial so we can help change this constipated organization to one that flows freely.
Signed,
Being Honest
Dear Being Honest,
As you well know, honesty, truth, freedom, love. commitment, are all abstractions.
You cannot see them or touch them. Yet, you can feel them.
What does “I trust you” really mean?
Let’s look underneath the words.
What Builds Trust and Credibility
When leaders and employees alike commit to honesty, trust becomes the cornerstone of workplace relationships.
Trust is the glue that holds teams together, enabling them to collaborate effectively and achieve common goals.
Thus, when employees know that they can rely on their colleagues and superiors to be truthful, it builds a sense of security and mutual respect.
This credibility extends beyond internal relationships to external stakeholders, enhancing the organization’s reputation.
Trust Enhances Communication
When employees feel free to speak their minds without fear of retribution, it creates a dynamic and inclusive environment.
Transparent communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and fostering a sense of unity.
Encouraging truthfulness in communication also means actively listening and valuing each other’s perspectives, which can lead to better problem-solving and creativity.
Here is how one organization made the leap from superficial to honest.
The CFO, David, was known for standing firm. When told a vender was upset because payment was late, he had only one response.
“They can wait” he would say, leaving no room for discussion. “Our needs are more important than theirs.” was his standard reply.
The company was getting a bad name and yet, he would not listen.
Until, one day, a relatively new hire took the risk of being fired. She had been in a leadership development program that offered communication methods for truth telling.
She had learned that truth does not have to be a punch to the face. It can come in soft, indirect ways and still be heard.
In front of the CFO she said “When you say our needs are more important than those of our vendors it reminds me of when I was a child and heard my dad praise his boss talking about “the power of pink.”
He said, “The use of power comes many colors. Greed is bright red and makes people cautious. While kindness shows up as pink, representing care and understanding.
There was a time when money was tight at work and yet, all vendors were paid right away. Success and caring were tied together with a pink bow.
“Sadly,” she said, “this company is known as bright red. Everyone is cautious that they will be discounted. I hope we can be seen through the softer perspective of caring. And with that she handed him a pink ribbon.
The room was silent and then started to applaud this young woman.
I know the story well. That young woman was my mother! And yes, she kept her job and was promoted several times.
Honesty promotes a culture of accountability. When employees take responsibility for their actions and decisions, it encourages a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Accountability is part of the trust equation
This accountability extends to recognizing both successes and areas for improvement.
For example, a truthful culture discourages blame games and finger-pointing, focusing instead on learning from mistakes and striving for continuous improvement.
Ultimately, leaders who model accountability inspire their teams to follow suit. They create a culture where everyone commits to high standards of performance and integrity.
Best ways to foster a supportive environment
A workplace that values truthfulness is often more supportive and collaborative.
When employees feel that they can be honest about their challenges and limitations, they are more likely to seek help and support when needed.
In such an environment, constructive feedback is viewed as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. This fosters a culture of continuous development.
Encourage ethical behavior by telling the truth
A commitment to truthfulness reinforces the organization’s ethical standards. When honesty is prioritized, it sets a clear expectation for ethical behavior across all levels of the organization.
This ethical foundation not only guides decision-making but also helps to attract and retain employees who value integrity. In an age where corporate social responsibility is increasingly important, maintaining high ethical standards can also enhance the organization’s brand and appeal to customers, investors, and partners.
An open environment improves employee satisfaction and retention
Employees who work in an environment where truthfulness is valued are generally more satisfied and engaged.
Knowing that they are working in a trustworthy and transparent organization boosts morale and motivation.
This positive workplace culture leads to higher employee retention, as people are more likely to stay with an organization where they feel respected and valued.
Additionally, a reputation for honesty can attract top talent who are looking for a workplace that aligns with their values.
Five Practical Steps to Promote Truthfulness
- Lead by Example: Leaders should model honest behavior in all their interactions, demonstrating transparency and openness.
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Create channels for open and honest communication, such as regular team meetings and anonymous feedback systems.
- Recognize Honesty: Acknowledge and reward employees who demonstrate integrity and truthfulness in their work.
- Provide Training: Offer training on effective communication and ethical decision-making to reinforce the importance of honesty.
- Create a Safe Space: Ensure that employees feel safe to speak the truth without fear of negative consequences.
In conclusion, by fostering a culture of truthfulness, organizations can create a positive and productive work environment. Honesty builds trust, enhances communication, promotes accountability, supports employees, encourages ethical behavior, and improves satisfaction and retention. In an honest workplace, everyone thrives together, driving the organization toward long-term success.
In fact, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of truthfulness and providing practical steps to show how honesty can sustain a positive workplace culture, benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole. My mother’s story above, has been a guiding light for all that I do as an executive coach.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. Want some ways to talk with each other honestly? Send me an email for a complimentary eBook on effective male-female communication practices. called “How to Speak Genderly.”
