If there’s one thing that’s in short supply in almost every organization, at every level, it’s straight talk – truthfulness. It’s business’s biggest dirty little secret that in most companies, most people would rather hide or spin the truth than share it, making it hard for everyone to bring the reality of the situation to the surface and fix it. Most of us will argue that’s human nature, of course. We all have an innate instinct that tells us from a young age to prevent awkwardness and avoid hurting feelings. In most of the cases it is the fear of the consequences of being truthful in a company culture that doesn’t welcome openness. Sharing is viewed as innate precursor of losing power and position. Secrecy and holding on rather twisting the information to suits the authority is key driver in maintaining the status.

1. Measuring the IMMEASURABLE
Being Truthful!
If there’s one thing that’s in short supply in almost every organization, at every level,
it’s straight talk – truthfulness. It’s business’s biggest dirty little secret that in most
companies, most people would rather hide or spin the truth than share it, making it
hard for everyone to bring the reality of the situation to the surface and fix it.
Most of us will argue that’s human nature, of course. We all have an innate instinct
that tells us from a young age to prevent awkwardness and avoid hurting feelings.
In most of the cases it is the fear of the consequences of being truthful in a company
culture that doesn’t welcome openness. Sharing is viewed as innate precursor of
losing power and position. Secrecy and holding on rather twisting the information to
suits the authority is key driver in maintaining the status.
Organization wants us to truthful with our reports, our peers, and our boss.
Being Truthful is a skill that can make or break our career.
Being Truthful with Senior Management
The best approach towards fostering the truthful attitude is to have frequent reviews
with defined agenda where the discussions are focused on what we are doing well
and what we need to do better, with no room for beating around the bush and
discussing reasons that starts with – BECAUSE ....and ending in finding EXCUSES.
Usually people tend to listen to what they’re good at and very often they might not
hear the tougher message if the message is softened it too much. The best way to
make people understand what you want at the end of the review is to document the
proceedings and share the document highlighting the accountability concerned

2. areas and that way one is not becoming passive aggressive but in the process the
other person also benefits as they get in writing what they need to improve.
STOP pleasing the authorities, we are hired because we are good at what we do so
don’t entertain any flimsy idea by giving an impression that it can work but requires
some time rather politely address the issue with reasons and NOT by justifying your
views starting with BECAUSE.....
Speak to the point and limit your conversation to get maximum attention. Stick to
the AGENDA and wrap the issues positively.
Being Truthful with Peers and Colleagues
Staying truthful in peer-to-peer discussions is almost difficult, but avoiding the same
is never helpful. We love people singing praises for us irrespective of the fact that
whether we deserve it or not for obvious reasons.
We must realize that if we do genuinely well then there is no need for special
appreciation because we our hired and paid for the quality of services that we can
offer. But if we do something well that is not within the preview of our job then we
deserve appreciation for our discretionary effort.
Nobody wants to hear the truth and it is for this reason we love to have people
around us who have the ability to please us by saying good things that we know are
not true yet we want them to keep blowing our whistles.
Being truthful might hurt others initially but sooner you will be appreciated for your
great sense of observation.
Stay focused in your conversation especially when you are sharing your views with
your colleagues. Do not try to be suggestive. Speak to the point without mincing the
words. As you earn the reputation of being an honest person you will find people
start approaching for your views as they start valuing your opinion. It is all a matter
of TRUST.
Truthfulness, Openness and Sincerity isn’t easy, but it shouldn’t be harsh or blatantly
direct. Staying in the “side door” always beat a head on confrontation.
Know you know staying in the right moment of truthfulness can propel your career
to new heights... and getting it wrong could kill it.
CA Vinod.Kr Sharma
Director
Jagran Institute of Management
Kanpur

3. 18th
July, 2015