I was listening to a podcast today by Alan Weiss who invited a guest to join him. In Steven Gaffney’s book “Just Be Honest: Authentic Communication Strategies that Get Results and Last a Lifetime,” he emphasizes the fact that honesty is still not only the best policy; it’s the easiest and most effective way to communicate.
He goes on to say that you can use honesty as a tool to get immediate and dramatic results with anyone, regardless of their background, needs, personality, or personal agenda.
A great strategy for business but an even better one for life.
From a Biblical worldview I’d say it this way and so would Paul to the church in Ephesus many years ago,
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (Ephesians 4:25)
There’s more than one reason to be honest, besides the fact it’s one of the 10 commandments. We are all members of one body. As believers, we have a responsibility to speak truth in love. To not fear the consequences of honesty in any instance. Yet, doing so in love requires discretion and creating a safe environment around conversations that demand honesty and transparency. Especially when it comes to matters of eternal impact.
Here’s what Gaffney says the life lessons are that come from employing a culture of honesty in all we say and do. Biblical advice from a secular model. We can learn a lot by just paying attention.
- Cut off gossip and get to the root of the problem
- Improve listening skills to accurately understand what is expected
- Effectively deliver bad news
- Eliminate distortions, rumors, and hearsay
- Get others to freely share their ideas
- Rebuild broken trust
- Create a safe, stress-free and effective work and home environment
Let’s get busy and learn the principles of honesty from God’s perspective.
And that’s the Memo.
Steve
