Let's be honest...

So, we have all had a time in our lives when we have had to make a decision in the moment about if we are going to lie or tell the truth. I remember, as a kid, my parents asked me if I had left fingerprints all over the television screen. For some reason I thought I would get into a lot of trouble if I confessed, so I lied and told them that I did not. Within minutes my conscience got the best of me and I admitted the truth.

I have held several different jobs during my career and I can remember a number of times when I caught someone in a lie. It always amazes me that people think that lying will turn out better than owning up to something and telling the truth. It can be hard to admit a mistake, but there are ways to handle situations proactively so you are not caught in an awkward situation.

For example, let’s say that you make a mistake. You may really want to try to cover it up, but if the truth comes out you are going to look pretty bad. In this type of situation, I have always seen things work out better if you are willing to own up to your mistake, apologize once or twice, and present solutions to remedy the error. You are human and humans make mistakes from time to time. Trying to blame others or cover up mistakes is only going to tarnish your good name and possibly irreparably damage your relationships at work.

I know I have been lied to by people I have worked with and I have never trusted them in the same way I once did. Be brave and tell the truth—it will work out better in the end and you will sleep better at night with a clear conscience.