Amongst all the revelations of the ‘just won’t lie down and die” News International story there’s one aspect that applies to most businesses, the folly of burying bad news, and hoping that no-one will ask the tough question.
Isn’t there a lesson for us, shooting messengers and supporting a ‘less than honest’ approach will inevitably, and quickly, build a culture where trust is missing?
Trust matters, customers will buy from those they trust, opportunities will be given to those who’ve proven worthy and a salesman who can’t be trusted to ask for help when it’s needed will put a business at risk.
Bad news needs to travel just as fast as good news, but it helps if it arrives with “and here’s how we can fix it!”