When I started Giana Consulting I chose core values that had deep meaning that would be used to guide behavior and decisions.
- It is a core value of my faith
- You can’t solve any leadership or organizational development challenges, until you know the truth about the cause.
- And I see truth as the root of trust.
There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy and civilization throughout the world – one thing which, if removed will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love. …That one thing is trust. – Stephen M.R. Covey
- Many people see truth as subjective.
- Others don’t see a strong link between truth and trust.
- : the real facts about something : the things that are true
- : the quality or state of being true
- : a statement or idea that is true or accepted as truth
- firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something
[Tweet “How important is truth to you? “]
As a leader? As a follower? As a family member? As a friend?
[Tweet “When did truth become really important to you?”]
THIS IS WHAT THEY SAID:
As a follower? Truth and “followership” are birds of a feather. As a follower, acting and speaking truth enables my leader to believe in me. It becomes easier for them to authentically aid my growth. In return, I get the opportunity to challenge myself out of my comfort zone.
As a family member? Oh! Truth is the cornerstone of my family relationships. It is even more pronounced in this area. Could it be that family is for life? Maybe! Truth helps me to love better. However, I am also careful to speak the truth with love. Truth is not my passport to get back at a family member. I use truth to build them up, not to break them down.
As a friend? Truth is the cement that holds friendships together. Once violated, friendships are broken, many times irreparably. When I feel a friend isn’t holding up to their end of the bargain, it becomes difficult to even share basic information with them. At the moment, I am preparing to end a ‘friendship’ that I thought was based on mutual respect. However, this ‘friend’ has spread untruthful words about something that is nonexistent. The damage has been done. I am willing to walk alone in truth, if that is what it takes.
When did truth become really important to you?
I think it goes back as far back as I can remember. As a boy, I vividly recall being given responsibilities beyond my years. I guess it was because I could be trusted. This is another facet of truth. As a follower, I can’t uphold truth if I can’t be trusted.
How do you discern the truth?
It is mostly in the attitude of a person. There are some basic values I hold dear. Once anyone goes against those values, the probability they uphold truth exponentially increases. My wife tells me that I am very intuitive. This is when my gut feeling kicks in.
Do you hold yourself accountable to speak only the truth? And if so – how? Yes I do. There are a number of people that I have welcomed to hold me accountable for my goals, my character and my actions. I have given them permission to ask me difficult questions if need be. Some time back, I fed myself the notion that being accountable to self only can work. What a fallacy!
What about you?
- Do you see a link between truth and trust?
- How important is truth to you: As a leader? As a follower? As a family member? As a friend?
- Have you ever told a lie, a half-truth, or withheld information? (And yes taking a cookie from the cookie jar and saying you didn’t counts!
- When did truth become really important to you?
- How do you discern the truth?
- Do you hold yourself accountable to speak only the truth? And if so – how?
Chery, thanks so much for a great and challenging topic. Also, I admit it was powerful to answer those questions rather than just reading a response from someone else. I’d encourage everyone to take the test. You definitely upset my comfort meter with this one. Thanks! Mike…