Is it OK to tell white lies at work – Photo: http://www.skepticalob.com
Sooo we’d all agree that honesty is the best policy. Yet, at work, where many times we tend to wear the professional mask and wonder if we can truly be ourselves, do most people consider it’s the best policy? Or rather, is a little fib here and there necessary to maintain strong relationships at work? After all, telling your boss her hair is a hot mess right before your annual performance review, not a great idea!
How about calling in sick because your grandmother passed away…for the fifth time this year? Truth is, lying at work happens. And there are just instances where it seems you can’t avoid it, like when you have to think about telling your boss you have menstrual cramps and cannot come in to work? After all, didn’t some of the biggest names in business lie through their teeth at some point to cover up fraudulent tactics (hello Bernie Madoff) and make the bottom line look better than it actually was (hmmm Enron)?
My $0.05: Lying at work is dangerous. Period. Never mind if it’s a white, black or brown lie. If you can’t tell the truth, just smile and say it’s personal. Or just smile and say nothing.
The Corporate Sis.
