Is it ever OK to lie at work?

Unforgettable Bosses always find openness and honesty to be the best way to build and maintain high performing teams where everyone knows what the expectations are and are comfortable in sharing the challenges they need help in overcoming. He’s the one in the skinny jeans & pointy shoes. Otherwise your boss sucks. 70 per cent people still lie at work, the other 30% may not have a perfect track record on telling the truth, but know that it is not okay to lie. If you are the one who wants to know how your hair/outfit looks in someone else’s opinion, shouldn’t you be seeking the truth rather than a lie? We are trying to become pseudo psychologists and just not trying to rely alone on instincts. Here’s some contrast to help you distinguish the fine line between a biased opinion and a factual lie and then to decide which is which:

1. Lying is directing a lie, stating a lie. People tend to be less direct when asked a specific question, especially about a co worker. Liars hail longer stories with more details.  Those speaking the truth will maintain a systematic rhythm of eye-blinking.
2. When someone keeps extending a self-imposed deadline is that lying? Fix, not blame. Nose touching is a clear sign, they are fibbing.
3. Firmly believe that good honest people don’t finish last over time. Others maintain long and steady breaths while telling a lie.
4. Say it as it is and defend it if you must. They maintain a delibrate and longer eye contact. Liars are reaching for their throats.
5. Half truths = lies by omission right? This is epidemic from politicians to news media to business professionals. We justify it as “spin”, a four-letter word. There is not lies anymore, only “alternative facts”.
6. Liars fragment and do not finish complete sentences. They fake smile.

Related: Attract, Find, Keep Talented People

Islam teaches us to be honest, fair, bring value, and knowledge to the table and you’ll be alright. Advocacy and self-interest often lead to partial truth, deception, concealment and spin. Who needs lying with all those options? Truly cherish those you can trust. And remember, just because people fall short every now and then doesn’t mean you can’t trust them. We’ve all had to repeatedly rise from failure.

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