A discussion about business ethics, character traits, integrity, and values

"Honesty without compassion and understanding is not honesty, but subtle hostility." Rose Franzblau

It's like the man saying, "no, honey, that dress doesn't make you look fat – you really are fat." That may be true, but it's not honesty. You have to be honest without being hostile – that's the best policy.

One of my favorite parts of the sales jobs was training new people. I enjoy giving genuine praise for things they do well, and only a couple of times have I really had to search for something good to say. One woman I had worked with approached me after a meeting. I had said something good about what she had done, and she asked if I meant it. I said of course. "You always say nice things to us," she said, "and I wonder if you just say it or really mean it." I was able to convince her that what she was doing was good, and that I was sincere. It took a while, but she eventually became one of our best people because she was so honest, and when she spoke, prospects believed her. Honesty with "compassion and understanding" is irresistible.