Someone told me today on the phone a story about a coworker (and friend) who wanted her to lie to her boss.
She refused. She just couldn’t lie like that.
The friend lost her job, and she lost her friend.
Telling the truth has never been more important
The other day at a conference, I heard Seth Godin give this advice to an auditorium of leaders:
“Tell the truth.”
The question was: “How do I innovate within a bureaucracy?”
Godin’s summation was that your situation probably isn’t as terrible as you’re making it out to be. You may not have the freedom to do whatever you want to do, but you have the freedom to do something.
So, start there.
Be honest about the problem
Regardless of what you do, stop lying. Be honest about what is really standing in your way.
Is it your boss, or is it fear?
Is it laziness or Resistance?
Is it them or is it you?
Just tell the truth
Isn’t that usually (correction: always) the right answer?
The question may be, “How do I get a husband?” or “How do I find the right job?”
Or even, “How do I market this product?”
No matter what, the answer is honesty and integrity ultimately win.
This applies to writing
The problem is not always so simple. Neither is the solution.
When you write, tell it like it is. We are all waiting for the truth — and so few writers are telling it.
Write honestly. Write from the heart, your heart. No one else can do that. Above all else, be true.
Don’t write with fluff or exaggerate the details to impress your readers. Be honest. Be yourself.
Write like only you can. Because who else will?
Tell the truth.
What else is there to say that is worth listening to?
How have you seen telling the truth ultimately win?
