One should be honest in the workplace. It simplifies the conversation and makes it effective.
Have you been talking to someone on a business network and had a hard time finding the right words? Are you worried about saying the wrong thing? Maybe the other person doesn’t like you and doesn’t want to do business with you? If so, I’ll explain to you why you shouldn’t worry about it.
Listen to that boring “Don’t worry, be happy” song from years ago. I’ll tell you why you shouldn’t pay attention to every word in an online environment. Our goal in business networking is to form new relationships. We need to develop them through the coming time. As with any relationship, honesty plays a very important role in this development.
When we meet someone for the first time, we want to make a good impression. We usually try to put on a ‘party face‘. This can sometimes lead to colossal problems. The problem is that sometimes we worry we will be ‘found out’ if we try to be something we are not. This fear makes us uncomfortable, and while we smile, we are really cringing inside. In fact, being honest in the workplace is primarily a moral choice.
Most people worry that if they just are who they are, no one will accept them. I argue that if we do not just be ourselves, eventually who we really are will slip out and then we will have to deal with the consequences of being discovered. This then leads to a feeling of distrust between people.
Have you ever been in a relationship with a person of the opposite sex where you did not tell them something important early on and later had to reveal it or, even worse, an accident revealed it? It leads to difficult times after that and a lot of shuffling and apologizing.
I think it’s better to try something new, to be honest. One should openly express one’s feelings towards others. It is human nature to forgive. They sincerely want to apologize. You can always apologize and be forgiven if you say or do anything embarrassing. However, if you say something wrong and it is later proven, your credibility can be irreparably damaged.
If you go into a networking environment prepared to be relaxed and genuine, you will find that it is a lot more fun to be there. If you have a plan of action to really get to know people, you will be much more productive in a shorter amount of time. People will feel comfortable talking to you, and you to them. In an environment of truth, more people will want to do business with you and be around you.
Genuine enthusiasm spreads quickly. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you’ll always look better. You’ll seem happier when you’re not worried about making mistakes. If you are happy with your life, you will smile more, and people are naturally drawn to people who smile.
So just be yourself the next time you go to a networking event. When you go home, you will feel better. The difference will eventually become measurable in other ways than just your income. You find that you have more friends than you ever imagined. Because friends recommend friends, your friend will think of you when it’s time to make a referral.
One should be honest in the workplace, as the dialogue becomes more straightforward and efficient.
