This question can strike terror into the heart of the receiver. “Honesty” always makes the list of qualities we value in our leaders. Let’s take a good look at what is honesty and what isn’t.

One of my coaching clients says he comments on everything that he sees wrong in the workplace. He believes he is being honest. His leader and colleagues find his behaviour irksome and tend to exclude him. He has discovered that the concept of “honesty” is multi-layered and fairly complex.

Honesty isn’t:

• Saying what is on your mind to anyone who will listen
• Criticizing someone behind their back
• Telling people what you think they should do
• Telling people what you think about them
• Telling people what you think they think, feel or why they do what they do
• Commenting on relationships that aren’t your business
• The voice of the naysayer – loud, negative and persistent

Honesty is:

• Describing performance expectations in concrete, behavioural terms
• Explaining constructively when there is a performance gap
• Speaking up in your own relationships
• Asking openly for the “other side of the story” when something goes awry
• Letting people know what you value on a regular, generous basis
• Having the courage to hear other people’s “honest” perspective
• Discerning what is important to your relationship with the other person and what is really between them and someone else
• Speaking up when there is abuse – and to the right person
• Respecting confidentiality

Honesty is regularly cited as an organizational value – and so it should be. It is also a good idea for organizations (or teams) to define what honesty means and doesn’t mean to them.

Speaking of values – the Character Community of York Region is holding the annual Character Conference on April 5th and 6th. There is a two hour Plenary Session open to the Business Community, with a focus on Character Attributes (honesty is one of them!). I am part of the presentation team. If you are interested in attending or if you would like more information please click here.

"It is curious—curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare." ~Mark Twain

Our Reader’s Wrote:

Last month we talked about truth telling in the workplace. Here is what two readers had to say on the subject:

"I need to give people an outside perspective on a daily basis...being a business consultant with a busy practice. I rely on intuition and use a different approach when working with each person, as I respond to their personality type."
Elizabeth Verwey
Small Office

"Found your article an interesting read this morning. I agree communication is golden. All too often, though, people are too busy to share or even take a few moments to consider a tactful way to express their thoughts constructively. I find trying to add humour to a situation helps. We recently relocated into a new office building and are adjusting to our new environment and personalities. I find when you can laugh (together) about an issue, you are on your way to a resolution. It seems the most productive environments are those that take time to share thoughts, experiences and suggestions. I appreciate receiving your message."
Mary Mrzlecki
Magna

This month we invite you to write in with your thoughts on how "honesty" is valued, expressed in your organization. The people who respond will be invited to download (free!) our two new booklets: Offering Feedback so People Want to Listen and Hearing Feedback so it Helps, Not Hurts.

Please indicate whether we can publish your name in the April Newsletter.