Honest Interactions

Wouldn't it be great if everyone was truly honest? Well, maybe not so much when you aren't feeling particularly great and you really don't want anyone to acknowledge what you really look like. However, there is an appropriate place for honesty: when you are asked your opinion; when you are in a business transaction; when honesty is difficult, but without would cause damage; and any time that you want to be able to face yourself.

I relate honesty to being a piece of establishing integrity. One of the best compliments someone could state is that I have high integrity. This is made up of honesty (without brutality), trust, and consistency. When you have integrity, people know they can count on you to do what is in the best interest of everyone. They also know that if something is not right, you will put it out on the table and not brush it under the rug.

Of course being honest does come with some responsibilities. Just like the commercial with Abe Lincoln where his wife puts him in that common predicament to comment on her looks in the dress. What should be the right answer? So much of the time it is in the delivery of the honesty that causes the conflict. Saying, "Yes, your butt does look fat in those jeans" could land you in the dog house. However, if you do like fat butts it might be better to say, "The view is smokin' from here." If that isn't the look she is going for, then something along the lines of, "They don't seem to compliment your shape" might be a little easier to take.

Honesty can be tough. It isn't that most people don't want to be honest. Sometimes we are just put in situations where honesty can seem too brutal. Watch your delivery, tone, facial features, and body language while you are making your honest statement and it could be in your favor.

For MN Insurance Agents, I am offering 7 ethics courses throughout the state of Minnesota from August through October. The credits for the classes will be uploaded within 24 hours of the class completion so no lapses due to the ethics requirement. You can find more at http://bdynamics.eventbrite.com/.