For the past four weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak to my church, the West Jacksonville Church Of God In Christ. Each week I talk briefly on each failure identified in my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures. This week the topic was Failure #5, untruthfulness.
We have all heard the expressions, "If you are not cheating, you are not trying" or "Nice guys finish last". Strong business leaders do not need to cheat, lie, or be mean in order to win in business. We must realize that it does matter how we 'play the game'. Our youth need to have role models in business that possess courage, determination, and integrity.
Business is about building relationships. Yet lies tear down relationships. Can you see the problem with lies? Lies can (and do) tear down years of positive, truthful behavior. One lie can make someone not trust you ever again. There is indeed power in the words we speak (and write).
Smart business leaders tell the truth and demand that everyone in and around their organizations do the same. We should 'underpromise and overdeliver' as a rule of thumb. If your company cannot do something that is asked of it, just say so. The truth may not always be appreciated but is always the best way to go. Lastly, we do not have time nor the ability to remember every thing that we say or do. If only true statements are used, it is easy to recall them. The truth will stand the test of time. The truth will set you free! God bless you.
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