The Power of Truth
Truth is the foundation of trust, but it does not stand alone. In previous lessons, we explored the role of integrity, ethical decision-making, and authenticity in strengthening relationships and building confidence in the workplace. Truthfulness ties them all together. Without honesty and transparency, even the best intentions can be misinterpreted, and trust can erode.
At the Morgan County Probate Office, truth is more than just telling the facts. It means being clear, open, and consistent so that others can rely on the information they receive. When people trust that they are being told the full story, they feel more secure in their work and in the decisions being made.
Self-Assessment: The Power of Truth
Please take a few moments to answer the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for growth in your leadership and daily life?
Do I communicate openly, even when the truth is difficult to share?
Do I provide clear and accurate information instead of leaving out details that might change someone’s understanding?
When I make a mistake, do I admit it and correct it rather than hoping no one notices?
Do I feel comfortable asking questions or expressing concerns without fear of judgment?
When decisions are made, do I explain the reasoning behind them when appropriate?
Am I honest in my interactions, even when it would be easier to avoid a conversation?
Do I encourage open and honest feedback from others?
If I see a problem, do I address it rather than ignoring it?
There are no right or wrong answers. This is an opportunity to think about where truth and transparency are strong in your work and where they might need more attention.
“The best way to prove the clearness of our mind, is by showing its faults; as when a stream discovers the dirt at the bottom, it convinces us of the transparency and purity of the water.”
Honesty is more than just telling the truth. It also means being transparent, communicating openly, and ensuring that people have the information they need to make informed decisions. Sometimes we leave out details because we assume they are unimportant or worry about how others will react. Yet even small omissions can create confusion and cause people to question what else they might not know.
In the workplace, transparency builds confidence. People feel more secure when they know what to expect and understand the reasons behind decisions. Unclear or inconsistent information often leads to frustration and doubt. The best way to build trust is through openness—sharing information when appropriate, answering questions honestly, and making sure people feel comfortable speaking up.
Being open and truthful should be simple, but in reality, it can be challenging. People do not always withhold information to be dishonest. Sometimes, there are underlying reasons that make full transparency difficult. Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them:
Fear of Negative Reactions: Worrying that honesty will upset or disappoint others, leading to tension or conflict.
Desire to Avoid Conflict: Choosing to leave out certain details to keep interactions smooth and avoid uncomfortable conversations.
Unclear Expectations: Not knowing how much information should be shared or when transparency is expected.
Lack of Confidence: Hesitating to speak up due to self-doubt, uncertainty, or fear of being questioned.
Assuming Others Don’t Need to Know: Deciding for others what information is important instead of allowing them to make informed decisions.
Pressure to Protect Reputation: Withholding details or avoiding full transparency to avoid blame or embarrassment.
Time Constraints: Rushing through communication without fully explaining key details, often unintentionally causing confusion.
Belief That Sharing Everything Will Complicate Matters: Thinking that full transparency will slow down processes, even though clarity often helps in the long run
“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.”
Now that we understand the challenges that can make transparency difficult, the next step is learning how to overcome them. Being truthful is not just about avoiding dishonesty, but instead is about making openness a habit, even when it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient. Here some best practices to help guide you:
If fear of negative reactions prevents honesty, focus on clarity and respect. Difficult news is easier to handle when delivered with honesty and professionalism. Frame the truth in a way that is constructive rather than discouraging.
When avoiding conflict is tempting, remember that honesty prevents bigger issues later. Addressing concerns early keeps small misunderstandings from turning into larger problems. Transparency does not mean being harsh—it means being clear.
If expectations for transparency are unclear, establish guidelines for open communication. Set a standard for what should be shared, when, and with whom. This ensures that people do not unintentionally withhold important information.
If self-doubt makes honesty difficult, remind yourself that truth builds trust. Speaking up with accurate information, even when uncertain, shows integrity and a willingness to contribute. Confidence in transparency grows with practice.
When assuming others do not need to know, ask: ‘Would this information help someone do their job better?’ Err on the side of sharing relevant details rather than withholding them.
If protecting your reputation feels like a reason to withhold information, remember that accountability earns more respect than avoidance. Owning mistakes and correcting them openly shows strength, not weakness.
If time constraints make transparency difficult, build it into everyday communication. Short, clear updates prevent confusion and reduce the need for follow-ups later.
If sharing the full truth seems like it will complicate things, consider the long-term impact. Cutting corners with information may save time in the moment but can lead to frustration, distrust, and mistakes later.
Trust is shaped by the choices people make every day. It grows when commitments are kept, when ethical decisions are made, when people stay true to their values, and when honesty is the standard. Each lesson in this module has explored a different part of trust, showing how consistency, integrity, authenticity, and truthfulness all work together to create strong relationships and a reliable workplace.
At the Morgan County Probate Office, trust is not just about getting along with coworkers. It is about ensuring that the community receives fair, honest, and accurate service. Integrity is reflected in the way people follow through on their responsibilities, make decisions that align with ethical standards, and communicate with clarity and openness.
While trust is a strong foundation, integrity requires more. Next module, we will explore accountability—another essential part of integrity that ensures responsibility, reliability, and fairness in all of our actions. Stay tuned!
Reflection Questions:
What barriers to transparency do you find most challenging, and how can you work to overcome them?
Have you ever withheld information because you assumed it was unimportant or worried about how others would react? What was the result?
What are some ways you can make transparency a habit in your daily work?
Looking ahead, what steps can you take to ensure that trust remains a core part of your personal and professional values?
Expand your understanding of The Power of Truth with the following resources. Use this opportunity to refine your leadership skills and navigate challenges with the care and professionalism that define The MCPO Way.
The Advantages of Telling the Truth at Work
Mary Dowd
Cultivating Everyday Courage:
The Right Way to Speak Truth to Power
James R. Detert
Imagine a Workplace Where you Could Actually Tell the Truth
Lauren A. Taylor and David Berg