5 Lies You Should Tell at the Office
These harmless fibs may actually help you get ahead
Deceit isn’t usually a good career move . . . but sometimes it can propel your career forward. Tell these five lies at work and you’ll be one step closer to the corner office.
You’re offered a mammoth project that you’re not really ready for.
Your Lie
“I can handle that.”
The Truth
You’re overwhelmed, but you’ll come to realize you have the skills. Calmly ask for specifics on timetables, staffing, and expectations, which will reassure your boss—and your self, says Patrick Lencioni, author of The Advantage.
Your company is circling the drain and you doubt it has a future.
Your Lie
“With your help we can turn things around!”
The Truth
A leader must project optimism even when his confidence is wavering. Be the man who keeps his staff on board and productive, says Dan McCarthy, an expert on executive development at the University of New Hampshire.
A job interviewer asks you just how horrible your former boss was.
Your Lie
“I learned a lot from him.”
The Truth
Negativity adds nothing, and nobody likes a backstabber. Recount a challenge and what you learned.
Your restraint and ability to learn will earn respect, says Brian de Haaff, founder and CEO of the software company Aha!
Related: 10 Ways Your Boss Lied and Cheated to Get to Where He Is Now
You’re negotiating your salary at a new company.
Your Lie
“I need to earn $90,000 a year.”
The Truth
Of course you start high. It’s just an opener. If you get it, great. If they balk, ask how much they have budgeted for the role.
It’s refreshingly direct and shows you’re confident, says Joel Comm, author of Twitter Power 3.0.
Related: Boost Your Salary by $33,800
You’re feeling frustrated about your job.
Your Lie
“I’m very excited about my job.”
The Truth
Feign interest and then find a way to get interested. A bad attitude can infect a staff, and demonstrates disrespect.
Ask colleagues what they enjoy about the work and try to see what you’re missing, Lencioni says.
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