Absolute Honesty

Book excerpt: Dishonesty does not pay, and in the wake of headlines involving the likes of Enron, WorldCom and Tyco, organizations need to establish ways of maintaining cultures where open, honest communication is the norm. This handbook demonstrates how readers can maintain an environment in which employees speak their mind without fearing reprisal, and truthfulness and accountability show themselves for what they are: business assets. The authors offer a toolbox of strategies that can be used to improve an organization's ability to confront and resolve difficult issues. Provocative and sensitive issues are also addressed, including dealing with a difficult or even dishonest boss, "agreeing to disagree", and accepting criticism without becoming defensive. Many examples, both positive and negative, are given, along with scenarios, anecdotes and quotations.