Everyone does not tell the truth at work from time to time. We exaggerate or knowingly omit some facts to avoid the inconveniences, show ourselves in a better light or to protect others. So, are some of the lies justified?
This question was asked by Carol Kinsey Goman, author of the book called The Truth About Lies in the Workplace: How to Spot Liars and What to Do About Them. In this book on detecting lies in the workplace, she summarizes her conclusions from interviews with 547 managers. Then, for Forbes.com, she summarized the most common reasons that lead managers to believe that lying is sometimes right. Do you agree with them?
1. When there are unnecessary rules turning employees into liars
A typical example is when an employee is exhausted and needs to take a day off. The company, however, does not offer any form of sick days.
2. When the boss could not bear the truth
Many of us have experienced bosses who fail to accept bad news differently than by an explosion of roar. Little wonder, then, that we do not want to experience the same situation again.
3. When the boss favors someone
Once subordinates see that their boss favors some employees over others, they stop to see lying to such a boss weird.
4. When corporate culture does not tolerate mistakes
Nobody will admit a mistake where mistakes are prohibited.
5. When unnecessary meetings are hold
Participants of unnecessary meetings often lie to be able to leave early for another (non-existent) meeting. They lie even in advance to avoid having to come at all.
6. When managers lie
When subordinates see that their superiors lie even to one another, they will follow their example sooner or later.
7. When honesty is considered to be dangerous
Many employees state vague reasons for leaving. If they had mentioned the actual reasons, it would have been a career suicide.
-kk-