5 Tips on Telling the Truth in a Cruel World

I think I would consider myself to be honest. I’ve always told the truth and made sure I was true to myself (for the most part!)

But I began to notice something in my early 20’s – some people didn’t appreciate my honesty and wouldn’t react well – what happened?

I think perhaps an example is best – I was new at a job and after a few months I had a sit-down with my boss, who wasn’t much older than I was, and we discussed my position. After some heated words, I told her I wasn’t happy, that I was frustrated and wasn’t sure I wanted to continue.

The next day I got fired.

I was shocked and mortified. Here I was being honest and pouring out my soul, which I thought she’d appreciate, and what happens … I get axed!

I’ve been in other situations when I thought I was being helpful, but ended up having the opposite effect. So, after years of experience and mistakes, I’ve come up with a few tips on how best to tell the truth.

AT WORK
It’s a jungle out there. Put on your game face and watch what you say. Work isn’t your life and most of the people there aren’t (really) your friends.

GAGE YOUR AUDIENCE - LISTEN
Depending on who you’re talking to, they may not want to hear the truth – they may be asking something else entirely different. In the case of my example, I think my boss thought I was insulting her and couldn’t handle it.

Some people just can’t handle the truth. If your spouse asks you if they’re too fat, what are they really asking?

BRUTALLY HONEST?
I know some people who are brutally honest and just say whatever comes to mind. But that’s the problem, what they say may not really be the truth – it is simply their opinion.

Keep your opinion to yourself unless it is being asked for or if it adds some value to the conversation.

HOW DOES IT FEEL?
Ethics – we each have a set of moral rules that guide us in our internal decision-making. If you’re a professional, you’ll also have a code of professional conduct which should help you in whatever situation you’re in.

Here’s a test I use – If I can sleep at night, then I’d probably be ok. Another question to ask – is anyone getting hurt?

HOW BIG?
Lies come in all shapes and sizes, from the little white lies we tell to the grand behemoth ones. We all tell little white lies – I think it’s just human nature. But the big ones … boy, they can cause some damage.

Being honest can be a constant struggle in a world that’s motivated by money, possessions and greed.

Ultimately, how honest you want to be is entirely up to you.

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Dealing With Office Politics
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