Once upon a time, there was a great sports hero. He was considered the best in his field. He won several world titles, defeated a bout with cancer, and then won some more world titles. He was famous, people respected him and he earned a lot of money. To give back to the community, he started a charitable foundation and he was admired by all.
Then he lied… The end.
There are many qualities of leadership, but the adverse of many of those qualities can instantly derail all the good that a leader has accomplished. Lying is one of those things that can consume light. It can instantly destroy respect and trust.
Lying consumes light, destroys respect, and causes leaders to fail” ~ Todd Nielsen (Click to Tweet)
Leaders must tell the truth. There is absolutely no getting around this simple rule. The truth, when communicated regularly and in a timely fashion, is an essential play in a leader’s playbook, and results in an increase in morale and credibility.
I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche (Click to Tweet)
Increase in Morale
The truth improves morale, because it serves to detour rumors; keeping everyone aware of issues and what is happening around them. Without knowing the truth, and without being kept up to date on the truth, rumors can quickly circulate.
Increase in Credibility
The truth will always increase your credibility, and more rapidly, a lie will ruin your credibility… instantly. Leaders can tell the truth a thousand times, but one lie will ruin all of the trust they have built up. With great credibility and morale, a leader can move towards personal and organizational success.
So make it a personal motto to be a leader of integrity by telling the truth. Being honest with yourself and others will help to increase your respect, effectiveness, and ability to lead others, and your organization, to success.
About Todd Nielsen
Insightful article, Todd.
Here are some framed prints that were in my classroom before I retired.
THE ESSENCE OF LEADERSHIP
They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!
WHAT MAKES A LEADER?
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader!
FOCUS
If you chase two rabbits both will escape!
LEADERSHIP
You get the best effort from others not by lighting a fire beneath them, but by building a fire within!
THE LEADER
The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The leader adjust the sails.
Contact me Todd if you would like more information. These framed prints are very inspiring.
Thanks Todd for a GREAT post on something unfortunately many get wrong. It is too easy to get caught up in the situation and lose the Truth compass. Also, thanks for the quotes Ron. Love them (!), especially the pessimist, optimist and leader quote. Thank you for sharing as well.
Being a truthful leader allows a person to have and increase their influence level. Great post and thoughts!
Thanks for your comment Dan. You are so very right.