honesty consultant | CEO

Needless to say, the economy would come crashing down.

Whatever happened to the old-fashioned values? Like, for example, managing by fear and intimidation.

Honesty as an operating philosophy in the workplace falls into the category of a utopian idea. As with other utopian ideas throughout history, encouraging honesty at work seems laudable. But it's just not workable on a day-to-day basis. That's why such ideas are called utopian.

Now don't get me wrong. I believe honesty has its place. Like when somebody gets fired, for example. "Ned, you're lazy, sloppy, and your pants are hemmed too high. Don't let the door hit you on the way out." "Well, Bob, thanks for sharing. And let me say that everybody laughs behind your back at your bad ties, your kids are ugly, and the ever-expanding universe of your armpit sweat possesses sci-fi powers that mesmerize the staff. See ya."

Still, the way this whole crazy world is going these days, this positive approach, crazy as it seems, might just catch on.
Me, I hope it does. Because it could lead to a whole new career. I'd love to be an honesty consultant. If a boss really wants honesty, he can't expect it for a measly fifty bucks handed out to an employee. If the employee receives only $50 for saying or asking something that doesn't sit well with the big guy, the employee might be targeted as a potential troublemaker and assigned the new opening in Siberia. If he really wants the truth, a CEO should offer a year's salary. And that's too expensive a proposition for any company.

Enter the honesty consultant, i.e., me.

I would hang out with a CEO and ask him the questions his timid yes-man employees are too afraid to ask. I'd use a sliding scale for my services: The more you pay, the more honesty you get.