There’s nothing more powerful than the truth. Let that sink in.
I’m currently reading a book that focuses on how much we are lied to in our daily lives, how often stories are distorted, manipulated, exaggerated. As readers, employees, coworkers, bosses or in our lives as citizens in a Democracy, we grow jaded and cynical by the BS. At a minimum, we know we are not being told the whole story. At worst, advertising, politicians, business leaders and newscasters push outright lies on us.
As the dog dirt piles up on us daily, we stop believing what people have to say. It is a major reason cynicism is the emotion of our times.
It is a big reason, too, why telling the truth is important, even if you believe it might hurt your business, your professional standing, your image or relationships. People get the truth. They recognize when you lay yourself on the line, when you let it all out. We are a forgiving species us humans, and we give a person additional leeway if you come clean. Because we all have failed, we all have done stupid things, others nod their head when you tell the truth, and say to themselves, “Hmmm, I can relate. He screwed up, but at least he’s letting us know. I’ll give him a second chance.”
You won’t necessarily get a third or fourth chance, so don’t screw up on the same issue again. But that’s usually an indication you need to leave your position, company or relationship. Something is wrong. So fix it. But that’s another story.
Telling the truth builds a bond of trust between you and your audience. They get a bead on your soul, who you are inside. That’s priceless.
I’m currently reading a book that focuses on how much we are lied to in our daily lives, how often stories are distorted, manipulated, exaggerated. As readers, employees, coworkers, bosses or in our lives as citizens in a Democracy, we grow jaded and cynical by the BS. At a minimum, we know we are not being told the whole story. At worst, advertising, politicians, business leaders and newscasters push outright lies on us.
As the dog dirt piles up on us daily, we stop believing what people have to say. It is a major reason cynicism is the emotion of our times.
It is a big reason, too, why telling the truth is important, even if you believe it might hurt your business, your professional standing, your image or relationships. People get the truth. They recognize when you lay yourself on the line, when you let it all out. We are a forgiving species us humans, and we give a person additional leeway if you come clean. Because we all have failed, we all have done stupid things, others nod their head when you tell the truth, and say to themselves, “Hmmm, I can relate. He screwed up, but at least he’s letting us know. I’ll give him a second chance.”
You won’t necessarily get a third or fourth chance, so don’t screw up on the same issue again. But that’s usually an indication you need to leave your position, company or relationship. Something is wrong. So fix it. But that’s another story.
Telling the truth builds a bond of trust between you and your audience. They get a bead on your soul, who you are inside. That’s priceless.