I was talking with a consulting friend today. One of the topics was management that pushed or even required people to lie. In some cases, the boss was so brutal that, in order to keep a job, people felt compelled to lie. In a few instances, people were told to lie, to falsify invoices, or to intentionally enter incorrect data into financial reports.
I realize that we all twist the truth a little every day. I may not like the clothes, food choice, or activity that someone asks my opinion about, and I guess I feel it is not necessary for me to be negative about something they like. I may not be in a good mood, but that is no reason to share it when I'm asked about my day. In this discussion I am addressing, intentional, possibly criminal, false representation.
I believe that the truth often finds daylight. I also believe that a house built on a bad foundation will not last long. I know that it can be difficult to find a new job and that fear of losing basic necessities is real for most people (food, shelter, and warmth). Still, is it worth losing your self-respect?
It is hard to find a job while you are working 40+ hours a week. It is hard to find a job when you are unemployed.
So, what is a person, who feels trapped, to do...
It is easy to suggest finding a new job as soon as possible. It is easy to suggest refusing and being fired. The trouble with both answers is that they do not take into account how that can affect performance at one's current job or the ability to find a job with a black mark on your record. It can also be very devastating to some people be fired.
For many people finding a job is a very difficult thing to do. Rejection is often taken personally. They may have a real fear of meeting people for the first time. Interviewing can be as difficult as public speaking or they allow too much of their emotions to come through too early in the process. Most writers say that self-doubt is one of the biggest obstacles to finishing a book. If they have trouble writing, imagine how hard it can be to craft a resume.
It seems to me that one should, in a sense, always be looking. Not that I advocate job hopping on a frequent basis. I just believe that it keeps your options open, it gives you leverage in negotiations, and it can give you the confidence to stand-up for yourself in difficult situations.
In any negotiation, one of the most powerful tools is the ability to walk away. From buying a car, to confronting a difficult issue in a relationship. If you can walk away, then the other person has little control over you. If you show that you do not need to be where you are, then you cannot be held hostage.
Most employment agreements are at-will. That means, you work for the company as long as they arte willing to keep you on. It also means they can let you go anytime, for any reason (except discrimination, if you can prove it). This is not meant to say you should be paranoid about losing your job all the time. Andy Grove did say, "Only the paranoid survive." and it is something to consider in relation to one's job.
I try to train people so that they can advance. I try to provide a nice environment to work in. I try to build a strong relationship with people. If the day comes that someone wants, needs, or has to leave, I hope they will want to give me a chance to change, improve, or find a suitable replacement. I don't always succeed, but I think I have done well so far.
If you find yourself in a place where you have to lie - get out. Before you get to that point, it was probably obvious that it was coming. Be sure you make your plans accordingly. Still if it comes out of nowhere, just remember: you are hurting yourself when you lie for the gain of another.
Any other advice to give those who have been or will be asked to lie for their job?
I would never lie for a job. I'm trying my hardest to live a "life of excellence" and if I was forced, or felt pressure to lie I wouldn't be at that job too long.
For those who are scared or have fear of finding a new job, relax and know it will come. The biggest thing in sending out resumes is differentiating yourself from the the competition. One of the coolest things I have ever seen is a product called folio21. You can view their website at www.folio21.com. It targeted for college students, but don't worry about that. It's been many years since I've been in college, but I had a friend who used to work there and she got me a copy. I have personally used it and found great success. In each resume that I sent out I would always say "if you want to learn more about me beyond my resume, please visit my online portfolio at damon.folio21.com."
With the online portfolio you are able to add other skills, personal interests, and photos. I received more interview requests than I have ever before!
You could also set up a personal website with more information beyond a resume.
A tip I heard a long time ago was if you're looking for a new job, interview at places that you're not going to accept anyhow...just to get the practice in. Then when you go to one of the jobs you want, you'll be prepared.
Posted by: Damon | October 22, 2007 8:23 PM | Permalink to Comment