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When our salesman told his customer
suit looked good on him, how could he have done so if honesty was in his heart? This was not even a "white lie", but an outright lie. Even store's owner agreed with seeing eye dog --- it was an ugly suit!
In real world of business, a "white lie" could be something as simple as what is considered Standard Operating Practice in car sales industry. If a buyer tells salesman he wants this model in "blue", car salesman is instructed to tell customer that he can get this car in "blue", and proceed to show "white" car as a sample. When all is said and done, car salesman is instructed to sell customer "white" car because that is one in stock. In car sales industry, it is assumed that client does not really care whether car is "blue" or "white". Therefore, it is okay to tell customer a little "white lie" about whether they can get customer a "blue" car or not.
Of course, this is only an example. Hundreds of examples exist in every industry, where little "white lie" is considered okay and just a part of industry's Standard Operating Procedures. I am certain that if you applied just a few minutes of consideration to this question, you could think of dozens of examples within your own business where little "white lie" is a perfectly acceptable means of conducting business.
The desire to be looked upon favorably by your customers and your co-workers is strong. Yet, you must always exercise caution in statements you make, because failure to meet expectation when you have exaggerated your ability to reach it, hurts your status and your business more in long run, than complete honesty up front.
This is back to Business 101 --- "Under Promise and Over Deliver." It is imperative to long-term viability of your business to meet expectations you sell to your customers. Your clients have a strong need in being able to trust in you and your business.
Whether you are a Christian or not, "white lies" and "exaggerations" systematically erode your most valuable asset --- your customers' and co-workers' faith in you. Can you really afford to pay long-term price of this sort of behavior? Each time you find yourself in position to have to make this choice, final decision will be yours to make. Choose wisely.
"I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." --- Acts 24:16
Bill Platt owns The Phantom Writers, a company committed to helping people to establish an Internet presence & promote their businesses through the use of Free-Reprint Articles. Through June 1st, 2002, you can save up to 75% on our normal prices. All articles will be distributed to 6,500 publishers and webmasters as part of the package. http://PathTrax.com/x.pl/BP121,21
