Lead By Example: Honesty is the cornerstone



"Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform shall case to exist." ~~ Mary Kay Ash



I AM ALWAYS GRATEFUL when someone tells me up front what she wants and what it is going to cost me in terms of time, effort, and money. I want to know what's expected of me.


That's why I like what Lee Iacocca, American philanthropist and former Chrysler CEO, said about honesty:


"I have found that being honest is the best technique I can use. Right up front, tell people what you are trying to accomplish and what you are willing to sacrifice to accomplish it."


When we're honest at the beginning, people can make an intelligent decision and when they choose what we have to offer -- whether it's Mary Kay or something else entirely -- we will have gained a team member who has counted the cost and still wants it.


When you're thinking about recruiting someone new to your team, tell the whole truth. Yes, tell her the fantastic benefits, but share the costs too. Don't hide the fact that, like anywhere else, success in MK still takes commitment and hard work. Knowing what's ahead, she won't have illusions that will later disappoint or make her angry with you, or the company.


If she doesn't want to sign up for whatever reason, trying to gloss over things like time and cost factors won't stop her from leaving when she eventually figures out it requires more than she first thought.

Honesty....it's not just the best policy; it's the cornerstone for success and that's a great way to lead by example.

Perfectly Pink!
(c) Brenda Leyland