The Truth About Honesty

truthLets face it, honesty in life is important.  Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, news quickly gets around about how you conduct yourself in the professional world.  It all boils down to one thing… people value other people who conduct themselves in an ethical way.

In a competitive world where you need to stand out in order to make it, honesty is even more important. Here are a few tips for boosting your value:

Treat people with Respect.  I am sure heard growing up to treat people how you’d like to be treated. The same holds true in the professional world. Employers will notice when they are being treated with respect.  Showing up to work on time, requesting time off in advance and keeping your personal matters at home all show respect for your employer.

Honesty is the Best Policy.  If you are late to work or need to unexpectedly take time off,  it pays to be honest. Misuse of information can come back and bite you, and it’s just not worth the hassle in the first instance.

Don’t Cut Corners.  If an employer is paying you to do a job, then they are expecting you to do a good job. It’s important to maintain a high standard and not cut corners. Taking shortcuts can lead to disaster and a not so positive outcome.

Stick to your Word.  This is a fundamental part of good ethics. Whether it’s meeting your deadlines or following through with a something you agreed to, sticking to your word is always the best policy. People will come to respect you for your dependability and honesty. Employers are more likely to want to give promotions or raises to someone they know they can rely on and you’ll feel better for accomplishing something that is often not easy for many.

Sometimes things happen and it’s difficult for us to follow through.  Whenever possible try your best.  It is well worth the dividends it will pay in the long run, not to mention is simply is the right thing to do.