Why does an employee feel motivated to lie?

Some individuals justify lies. Some may feel it adds a little spice to the story. Others feel powerful and aroused by outwitting others. Or the cost of getting caught is insignificant.

I wonder if there’s anyone who can honestly say that they’ve never lied in the workplace. We can rationalize by saying that the lie didn’t hurt anyone, it bought us some time to get the job done, or that no one would ever find out. But does that make it right?

My parents taught me a lot. The one thing they really emphasized was integrity. No one can take it away from you, but you.

There are various factors that can influence an employee’s decision to stretch the truth or outright lie. But does it make it acceptable or forgivable? Here are 13 motivations:

  1. They have a temporary breakdown. Overwrought with pressure to succeed. Overwhelmed with competing for one open position. Lack of acumen.
  2. They are under the influence or in the midst of an addiction.
  3. They are dealing with personal circumstances like financial woes, divorce, legal trouble.
  4. They were caught off guard. This is when we tend to spew out something ill-considered, offensive, insensitive, melodramatic…
  5. They feel that no one ever believes them anyway.
  6. They are covering up for someone.
  7. They are afraid of being demoted or getting fired.
  8. They do it for revenge; it’s payback time.
  9. Their personal code of ethics tells them that it isn’t a big deal.
  10. Management does it.
  11. They are trying to impress the boss.
  12. They’ll do whatever it takes to land that account.
  13. It’s habit and has always worked.

Coworkers and even the boss may overlook your lies, to your face. But will they trust you? Will they keep certain information from you? Will you be passed over because of your questionable character?

FINAL THOUGHTS: Whatever your reason(s) for lying, you can take control. It starts by apologizing and accepting that it will take time to EARN everyone’s trust.

Business Etiquette Training: Communication skills, social skills, picking up on social cues, office gossip…

Contact me to discuss how we can work together by providing a customized workshop for your staff. Workshop are available for youth, high school, college students, community organizations, sales team, actors, athletes attending fundraisers, general professional development, to support Code of Conduct, to support implementing new employee standards in 2025.

 

 

 

 

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