“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”
“If you build a business on lies, eventually the truth will come to collect.”
“A dishonest man may make a fortune, but he’ll never keep it—because sooner or later, his lies will bankrupt him faster than any debt ever could.”
Your reputation is built on trust, and trust is built on keeping your word. If you say you’ll do something, do it. If you make a commitment, follow through. People respect and rely on those who are consistent and dependable. Your word is your bond—treat it as such.
Honesty goes hand in hand with integrity. It’s the cornerstone of trust and credibility. When you’re honest, people know they can rely on you, strengthening both your reputation and your relationships. Integrity isn’t just about what you say—it’s about what you do.
Over decades in business, I’ve had many opportunities where staying quiet would have seemed more profitable. But I always chose to speak my mind and tell the truth—even when it wasn’t in my own best interest. That choice led to countless business deals being offered to me, simply because people trusted me.
Trust is built in small moments and grows into something much bigger. Time and again, I’ve found that people were willing to trust me with their livelihoods, large sums of money, and even business ideas they wouldn’t share with their own family. Why? Because they knew I wouldn’t betray that trust for short-term gain.
There’s no such thing as a small breach of trust. The person who cheats you in something small will cheat you in something big. It might be something as seemingly minor as double billing, entering into an agreement they know they can’t fulfill, or outright fraud. It’s all the same at its core. Once you identify a liar, they are always a liar.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is to have zero tolerance for dishonesty. I let people lie to me, but once I find out, they are permanently out of my circle. I will never trust them again. I may not call them out directly—the negotiator in me keeps them close and uses them when necessary—but I never forget who they are.
Not only is honesty essential in building your team, but more importantly, in people realizing they want you on their team. Smart people will not want you around if there is even a semblance of dishonesty on your part. Trust is a magnet that attracts the best people, and once lost, it’s almost impossible to regain.
In personal and professional life, success isn’t just measured by achievements but by the trust others place in you. Keep your word, act with integrity, and watch how your reputation and influence grow.
#Integrity #Trust #KeepYourWord #Honesty #Leadership #Reputation
EXTRA CREDIT
Your Reputation is More Valuable Than Money
Explorations in Honesty. The Bright, Blinding Beast
Trust and the Scorpion
Erosion of Trust
A Culture of Bad Leadership
Navigating the Slippery Slope of Morality
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