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Truth Be Told: 13 Ways to Demonstrate Honesty

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Truth Be Told: 13 Ways to Demonstrate Honesty

  1. Think before you speak.
  2. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
  3. Bend over backward to communicate in an open and honest fashion.
  4. Simplify your statements so that everyone clearly understands your message.
  5. Tell it like it is rather than sugarcoating it.
  6. Present both sides of each issue to engender objectivity.
  7. If you have a personal bias or a conflict of interest, make it known.
  8. Tell people the rationale behind your decisions so that your intent is understood.
  9. If something is misinterpreted, quickly correct the record.
  10. Don’t shoot the messenger when someone tells you the truth. Thank them for their honesty and treat the information provided as a gift.
  11. Willingly accept responsibility by admitting a mistake or an error in judgment — in a timely fashion.
  12. Hold people accountable when their words do not match their actions.
  13. Never compromise your integrity and reputation by associating yourself with people whose standards of integrity you mistrust.

One of the best rewards from achieving success is knowing that you earned your achievements through hard work, commitment, and integrity. The same is true of living a good life. Believe in yourself. Be authentic. Live the truth! At the end of the day, be proud of what you do and who you are. After all, you have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

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This is adapted from Follow Your Conscience: Make a Difference in Your Life & in the Lives of Others By Frank Sonnenberg © 2014 Frank Sonnenberg. All rights reserved.

 

Additional Reading:
Honesty: The Plain and Simple Truth
13 Ways to Spot a Lie
A Promise is a Promise
50 Ways to Lose Trust and Credibility
The Values on Which Trust Rests
Protect Yourself From Bad Information
15 Common Myths About Building Trust

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About Frank Sonnenberg

Frank Sonnenberg is an award-winning author and a well-known advocate for moral character, personal values, and personal responsibility. He has written 11 books and has been named one of “America’s Top 100 Thought Leaders” and one of “America’s Most Influential Small Business Experts.” Frank has served on several boards and has consulted to some of the largest and most respected companies in the world. Frank’s newest book, BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose, was released June 2024.

Additionally, his blog — FrankSonnenbergOnline— has attracted millions of readers on the Internet. It was recently named one of the “Best Self-Improvement and Personal Development Blogs” in the world and continues to be listed among the “Best Inspirational Blogs on the Planet.”

© 2024 Frank Sonnenberg. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from FrankSonnenbergOnline.com is strictly prohibited.

Comments

    • Etim Angel says

      It ‘s good to be honest ,I will like to be like you (Frank sonnenberg).But what if you try to be honest and people mock at you what are you going to do?

    • Frank Sonnenberg says

      Hi Etim

      One of the most important things in life is to be able to look in the mirror and like what you see. Only you can decide what matters most. For me, I want to look back one day and say that I lived my life with honor. Moral character matters 🙂

      Have a wonderful day!

      Best,

      Frank

  2. Beverly Goldberg says

    Bravo Frank.
    What is so great about the list is it applies to both business relationships as well as personal ones. Some of these are harder to stick to than others, but if you make a habit of trying to follow all 13, you end up with happier employees and colleagues. Perhaps most important, is it helps build better relationships with family and friends, particularly with your children. In this day and age of congratulations and awards for every child, no matter how poor a performance, a little reality is needed to help them learn what they will face when they go out into the real world.

    Reply

    • Frank Sonnenberg says

      Hi Bev

      The key phrase that you mentioned is, “make it a habit.” While some principles may take more effort at first, being conscious of the truth is a good start.

      It’s just as easy to develop a good habit as it is a bad one. You get to choose the person you want to be. But remember, we all have to live with ourselves for the rest of our life.

      Thanks for your thoughts and for advancing the conversation.

      Best,

      Frank

  3. Anita Stout says

    Have you ever considered retiring and becoming the “All Knowing Oracle?” Yet another brilliant piece! Thank you.

    Reply

  4. Christina Nicoll says

    Honesty and Whistleblowers

    Point ten reminds me of whistleblowers: “Don’t shoot the messenger when someone tells you the truth. Thank them for their honesty and treat the information provided as a gift.” Many people openly champion honesty—until they or their organization comes under fire. How many whistleblowers have received retaliation because of bringing a corrupt business practice to light?

    The fact numerous whistleblower lawsuits are pending is clear indication that legislation meant to protect those very people who have spoken up for what is right has failed. The current state of affairs is certainly disheartening, but I hope that this does not dissuade anyone from stepping up in the future. Instead, I pray this steels people for the fight for justice, and encourages all to always do what is right!

    Reply

  6. Jessica says

    This article has been so helpful i want to practice honesty because i never feel comfortable even if i tell a small lie

    Reply

    • Frank Sonnenberg says

      That’s awesome Jessica. As I say, “Follow your conscience. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.”

      Thanks for taking the time to write 🙂

      Best,

      Frank

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