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This is “To Be Honest with You” – The Phrase That Instantly Damages Your Leadership Integrity
As a leader, maintaining integrity and trust is crucial. One phrase that can instantly damage your leadership integrity is “to be honest with you.” When someone starts their sentence with this phrase, it raises suspicions and doubts in the minds of those they are communicating with. In fact, a recent survey found that 76% of leaders use this phrase when they’re trying to soften the blow or retract a previous statement.
Using phrases like “to be honest with you” or “to tell you the truth” not only undermines your leadership integrity but also erodes trust and credibility. When someone uses these phrases, everything said prior to it is put under scrutiny, leading listeners to question whether what was previously stated was true or not. It’s natural for people to wonder if the speaker is being honest or just now being honest after saying “to be honest with you.”
Instead of using this phrase, focus on maintaining integrity and authenticity in your communication. As a leader, it’s essential to speak confidently and authoritatively without hedging your bets for honesty. You don’t need to preface what you say with statements that ultimately cause people to doubt the truth.
To build trust and credibility, connect with your audience by sharing common experiences, expressing understanding, asking meaningful questions, and allowing them to ask clarifying questions. Be vulnerable and show that you are learning and growing alongside everyone else. Communicate a message of camaraderie and indicate that you will figure things out together.
In times of uncertainty, ambiguity, or crisis, maintaining leadership integrity is more important than ever. Leaders must prioritize authenticity and transparency to inspire confidence in their ability to lead effectively.
Source: www.forbes.com
