The bedrock of a healthy society is truth.  Truth brings believability by conforming to the facts of a situation rather than opinion.  Where there is no truth, there is chaos.  Everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes, which leads to destruction.  In my own experience, instances where the truth has been scuttled for a half-truth to cover someone’s unwillingness to deal with reality, or even worse, when someone is deliberately covering a mistake, breaks down relationships.  So it is with leaders who don’t deal in reality.

Truth brings clarity to all situations.  It lets you know where people stand and what their values are.  It brings objectivity to decision making and removes destructive behavior.  Many times truth hurts, as it cuts through ambiguity. When an owner sits through a critique of his leadership style and hears how it demoralizes staff, it is hard to accept.  When an employee receives a less than stellar performance review, and the harsh reality reveals the things that need to change.  There is something fresh about reality and truth.

The most effective leaders will seek out truth, they will surround themselves with truth, and they will live truth.  These leaders will be respected, even when they deliver news that is unpopular.  People will trust them; they will model predictability in their decision making.  The lower the level of ambiguity in decision making, the more effective the relationships will be.  Take a look at the culture you have created as a leader, and determine if you lead in truth.  A commitment to walking in truth will strengthen your organization.