Disclaimer: I’m embarrassed to even post this. It could have been written by a teenager. But what better place to showcase a piece of teenage-quality writing than on PR.
Honesty is the best policy. That’s what we’re all taught as children, right? But what if we turned that on its backside and brought to light a theme that is all-too paramount in the world of business: lying as an effective best policy. What’s the significance, you ask? Despite being risky and unethical, the practice of lying is an unspoken rule and formidable tactic used to ward off potential danger or threats in the workforce. Sounds like a really bad idea, doesn’t it? Perhaps, but it matters not, because lying in business is a common practice that is sure to continue so as long as people remain human.
We have all been the victims of lies, and we’ve all told one. Having said that, I purport that the three types of people in this world – liars, white liars, and the brutally honest (well, most of the time) – don’t fully understand the role that money (yep, that root of all evil) has on their psyche. In fact, the lines are blurred, the playing field isn’t level, and everyone is having an identity crisis. You’re only fibbing when it’s about who ate the last piece of cheesecake in the fridge, but when it’s your butt on the line at work and you’re at risk of losing Free Lunch Fridays or that five percent raise for good performance, you won’t hesitate to act like Charles Ponzi or Frank Abagnale if it means preserving what’s rightfully yours.
Everyone lies in business, everyone lies about money. Period. It’s not only the great citizens of America either. I’ve had my fair share of experiences with people from different cultures doing the dirty little deed of lying. As a matter of fact, having lived in Europe for some years has awakened me to the idea that it’s not only Americans who lie on the job, but Europeans, too. Yessiree. They’ll do it if they have to. Why? Because, as the saying goes, “It’s not personal, it’s just business.”
There is probably some sort of inherent justification and rationale for lying to achieve a desired result. And I don’t mean the over-the-top, ruthless lies that some of those business rogues adopt for purposes of greed. These individuals make all of us look bad as a human race. I’m referring to the simple inability to say the direct truth in circumstances related to business. And it doesn’t matter what industry we’re talking about either. Someone will always be the victim of a lie. And sometimes you – yes, you – are the perpetrator. But truth be told: we all lie at some point on the job. And it’s personal. No matter what guise we use, lying to another person is downright raunchy and disrespectful. It’s a very personal thing to do to somebody.
I’ve held many different jobs: house painter, postal worker, engineering firm gofer, ESL teacher, proofreader, investigator, staff supervisor, nurse case management assistant, dishwasher, landscaper, retail cashier, janitor, van driver, security guard, medical editorial assistant, and freelancer. Much of the disillusionment I’ve experienced over my work has come mostly from the idea that everyone was lying to me. All the time. And I really didn’t appreciate it. I’d get lied to via email, over the phone, by fax, in person, at a meeting, at a luncheon, at an after-work cocktail party, you name it. Think about how many times we’ve declared ignorance or politely misinformed someone about something to avoid a contretemps, a backlashing, or, God forbid, a little bit of hurt feelings …
“Well, sir, we really don’t want to extend to you the job offer because, as your resume indicates, you once held a position as an insurance salesman. Our impression of that occupation is not the most complimentary. It doesn’t matter what kind of person you are, or if you’re the most talented professional this side of the Mississippi. We just can’t get around the fact that you did that for a living. It doesn’t shine positively on your character. Therefore, we’ll simply tell you that your qualifications are not a match. However, we will gladly keep your application on file for future reference.” The thing is, though, you were a perfect fit, but instead you got the last line as a parting gift.
So the fact is, lying is here to stay. It’s not going to go away for twelve sessions of behavioral therapy and come out as something else. Therefore, I advise you to think carefully about the real reason you didn’t get that promotion, or new job, or that Christmas bonus. Chances are, someone is trying to save face, and you’re likely being fed a big fat lie as a result, although I urge you to keep in mind that it’s all in the name of business. But you already knew that, didn’t you, dear liar?
Honesty is the best policy. That’s what we’re all taught as children, right? But what if we turned that on its backside and brought to light a theme that is all-too paramount in the world of business: lying as an effective best policy. What’s the significance, you ask? Despite being risky and unethical, the practice of lying is an unspoken rule and formidable tactic used to ward off potential danger or threats in the workforce. Sounds like a really bad idea, doesn’t it? Perhaps, but it matters not, because lying in business is a common practice that is sure to continue so as long as people remain human.
We have all been the victims of lies, and we’ve all told one. Having said that, I purport that the three types of people in this world – liars, white liars, and the brutally honest (well, most of the time) – don’t fully understand the role that money (yep, that root of all evil) has on their psyche. In fact, the lines are blurred, the playing field isn’t level, and everyone is having an identity crisis. You’re only fibbing when it’s about who ate the last piece of cheesecake in the fridge, but when it’s your butt on the line at work and you’re at risk of losing Free Lunch Fridays or that five percent raise for good performance, you won’t hesitate to act like Charles Ponzi or Frank Abagnale if it means preserving what’s rightfully yours.
Everyone lies in business, everyone lies about money. Period. It’s not only the great citizens of America either. I’ve had my fair share of experiences with people from different cultures doing the dirty little deed of lying. As a matter of fact, having lived in Europe for some years has awakened me to the idea that it’s not only Americans who lie on the job, but Europeans, too. Yessiree. They’ll do it if they have to. Why? Because, as the saying goes, “It’s not personal, it’s just business.”
There is probably some sort of inherent justification and rationale for lying to achieve a desired result. And I don’t mean the over-the-top, ruthless lies that some of those business rogues adopt for purposes of greed. These individuals make all of us look bad as a human race. I’m referring to the simple inability to say the direct truth in circumstances related to business. And it doesn’t matter what industry we’re talking about either. Someone will always be the victim of a lie. And sometimes you – yes, you – are the perpetrator. But truth be told: we all lie at some point on the job. And it’s personal. No matter what guise we use, lying to another person is downright raunchy and disrespectful. It’s a very personal thing to do to somebody.
I’ve held many different jobs: house painter, postal worker, engineering firm gofer, ESL teacher, proofreader, investigator, staff supervisor, nurse case management assistant, dishwasher, landscaper, retail cashier, janitor, van driver, security guard, medical editorial assistant, and freelancer. Much of the disillusionment I’ve experienced over my work has come mostly from the idea that everyone was lying to me. All the time. And I really didn’t appreciate it. I’d get lied to via email, over the phone, by fax, in person, at a meeting, at a luncheon, at an after-work cocktail party, you name it. Think about how many times we’ve declared ignorance or politely misinformed someone about something to avoid a contretemps, a backlashing, or, God forbid, a little bit of hurt feelings …
“Well, sir, we really don’t want to extend to you the job offer because, as your resume indicates, you once held a position as an insurance salesman. Our impression of that occupation is not the most complimentary. It doesn’t matter what kind of person you are, or if you’re the most talented professional this side of the Mississippi. We just can’t get around the fact that you did that for a living. It doesn’t shine positively on your character. Therefore, we’ll simply tell you that your qualifications are not a match. However, we will gladly keep your application on file for future reference.” The thing is, though, you were a perfect fit, but instead you got the last line as a parting gift.
So the fact is, lying is here to stay. It’s not going to go away for twelve sessions of behavioral therapy and come out as something else. Therefore, I advise you to think carefully about the real reason you didn’t get that promotion, or new job, or that Christmas bonus. Chances are, someone is trying to save face, and you’re likely being fed a big fat lie as a result, although I urge you to keep in mind that it’s all in the name of business. But you already knew that, didn’t you, dear liar?
