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How to – Tell Truth to Power
Posted September 9, 2011
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By Joni Daniels
The Boss (you or yours) may say that she/he wants to hear the truth, but many create an environment that discourages exactly that. Not only is a muzzle put on the truth, some folks get punished for telling it, serving as an example to others.
The result? Bad decisions made because of information not shared, for fear of being punished.
Whether the top folks are showing their arrogance, incompetence or they are just "in the dark" - there is often no real way to figure out if they are hearing the truth or hearing what other people think they want to hear. Whether the truth is hidden (unethical) or unknown (problematic) - it's critical to a well run organization.
How can you create more transparency in your organization?
• Ethics - Both boss and employee should understand that it is unethical to withhold the truth.
• Confidence - have the self-assurance to accept information from your employees. Admit you don't have all the answers or all the information (in this information-rich age, who does?) This is NOT a sign of weakness.
• Communication - open and honest communication can build trust. No punishment for truth-tellers provides evidence that honest communication is welcome.
• Encourage - open meetings where everyone's voice is hear, encouraging examination, allowing input, and promoting the asking of questions and expressing of differing viewpoints, all without fear of reproach
Being afraid of the truth doesn't change it. Ignoring the truth only leads to bad decisions. To tell truth to power, it requires someone willing to say it and someone willing to hear it. Easier said than done - but that's the truth!.
Nationally recognized Management and Organizational Development Training consultant, author, and professional speaker Joni Daniels has helped thousands of people, teams, and organizations accomplish their professional goals. She is a sought after resource for Fortune 500 clients, professional organizations, not-for-profits, associations, higher education, media outlets and business publications. Sign up for her free quarterly newsletter at www.jonidaniels.com/newsletter.html. Follow Joni on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jonid.
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