A Note to Managers About Deception

We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.
–Samuel Johnson

Posted on November 28, 2007 by Frank Roche 
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    Great observation. It brings to my mind, two different thoughts.

    It's not necessarily about you - it might be about HR, or Management, or paunchy, balding, red-headed, middle aged guys (your truly). People may assign to us a "deceiver label" because of their past experience. The beauty of a unique HR voice for your company's communication is that it helps you break out of the old label - especially if it is a bad one.

    The other thought is the longer you go without an employee thinking you have decieved them, the longer momentum of building credibility with the employee. In other words, get the most important messaging out first.
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    JT, this was a little bit of the "Why you can't be a prophet in your own land" message. Some can, though, and you've proved it. As you say, it's essential to start communicating well. I also liked the Catholic nun approach -- be REALLY tough on the front end, and then show a heart of gold later. The grounding is always ethical, though.

    Interrupting the pattern...that's the trick. Do the right thing is always the right thing.

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