Talking-Straight The # 1 Behaviour Of High-Trust Leaders

IN TODAY’S WORLD most people in their personal and professional dimensions can think of several situations everyday where they have felt like others were beating around the bush and indulging in double-talking, pussy-footing, soft-pedalling, diplomacy (the words they use to cover-up their blatant lies, half-truths, falsehoods, glib-talk and spin-doctoring), obfuscating tergiversation and strange circumlocution about facts, truths, viewpoints, intentions, ideas, opinions or agendas. While distorting facts and omitting information may sound legally/technically correct, this practice will lead to wrong impressions, and will never inspire trust.

- Jeroninio Almeida

While not being outright deceptive, certain communication styles, such as spinning, posturing, positioning, duplicity, flattery, sweet-talk, politically correct language and mincing words, may serve to manipulate others but will significantly diminish trust.

Truth-be-told, only 40 per cent of employees believe that their bosses communicate honestly, according to a Mercer Management Consulting study, 2005. In 2021, I feel only 10 per cent believe that their bosses talk-straight.