Key Takeaways on Honesty in the Workplace
Being candid at work is often praised as a virtue, but as social psychologist Vanessa Bohns highlights, there is such a thing as being too honest. In a recent interview, Bohns pointed out that “honesty is not the best policy if whatever we say is going to be honest without any instrumental value.” This insight invites professionals to reconsider the role of honesty and to weigh its impact carefully before speaking up.
Before giving honest feedback, Bohns recommends asking yourself three important questions to ensure your input is constructive and welcome. This approach balances sincerity with empathy and practical benefit, fostering healthier workplace communication.
First, Is Your Feedback Actionable?
Speaking up signals to others that you noticed something significant enough to mention, but the key is whether your feedback can lead to improvement or insight. If your honest opinion offers no practical benefit or addresses an unchangeable aspect, it may be kinder and wiser to withhold it.
For example, pointing out a colleague’s mispronunciation of a leader’s name could prevent future embarrassment and help them make a better impression. However, if an issue is beyond their control or your feedback is purely critical without guidance, silence might serve better.
Second, Is This Something I Would Want to Know About?
Consider how you would feel receiving the feedback yourself. If you would appreciate the honesty in a similar situation, then sharing it could be valuable. This self-reflective question helps ensure that your honesty is motivated by kindness rather than discomfort avoidance.
Vanessa Bohns cautions against confusing kindness with protecting yourself from awkwardness. Genuine kindness involves helping others, even when the conversation feels uncomfortable initially.
Finally, Are They Asking for Feedback?
Bohns advises against offering unsolicited advice. When someone hasn’t requested input, your well-meaning honesty might come off as condescending or intrusive. It’s essential to respect others’ autonomy by asking if they want your perspective before sharing it.
Giving people the choice to receive feedback not only shows respect but also increases the likelihood that your honesty will be heard and valued.
Vanessa Bohns explores these principles in depth in her book Should I Say Something? The Science of What to Share—and What to Keep to Yourself, where she combines research and practical advice to help readers navigate the complexities of honesty in social and professional contexts.
In today’s workplaces, where communication is key to collaboration and growth, applying Bohns’ three-question framework can help individuals deliver feedback that is thoughtful, respectful, and effective.
For more insights on when honesty is truly the best policy at work, read the original article Here.
