So many people say that honesty is important to them …
and then tell a child not to say out loud that a person has a big red mark on his face.
Or tell people not to bring their personal problems to work (I remember thinking and saying this in the past!).
Or hold back telling someone about something because they’re concerned what response they’ll get.
And there are many more examples that could be mentioned.
I know I’ve said that a core value doesn’t have to be used all the time. In fact in some instances it would be foolhardy! The obvious one is around trust – but what about being frank all the time? Or happy (one of my core values)? And as for well-being, that might mean that some less than healthy food and drink would have to banned!
It’s amazing how easily we hold a value strongly and yet can do the opposite as equally easily.
I don’t have the definitive answer on practising honesty. Working with values has heightened my awareness how complex an area it is!
Do tell me your stories and/or ideas on this matter.
