Page 38 - The Voice of Authority

think about me.” Inside, she’s crying, “Of course I care
what others think about me!”
Maturity brings the realization that what people think
matters a great deal. Perception—rarely reality about the
capability of candidates—determines the outcome of our
presidential races. Perception—rarely reality of needs—
determines the funds collected for charitable causes. Per-
ception—rarely reality of guilt or innocence—determines
the judgment and penalties in civil lawsuits.
Wise communicators do reality checks often. They re-
alize that where there’s smoke, there’s usually a spark.
The goal is to stomp on the spark before it becomes a
bonfire.

The Soul and Substance of Truth-Telling

Trust builds over time. It can be dashed in a flash. It re-
pairs slowly.
Not telling the truth proves stressful. Evasion and equiv-
ocation require energy. You have to remember what you
said . . . to whom . . . during what time period. Then you
have to wonder who heard
it and how you phrased
it, . . . worry what happens There are easy answers.
if someone else finds And then there are
out, . . . and wonder who truthful, more difficult
else actually understood it answers. Your power as
and read between the lines. a communicator often
Every day we interact depends on the choice
with bosses, customers, between the two.
suppliers, coworkers, kids,
spouses, or neighbors in
sensitive situations with difficult questions. There are easy

26 The Voice of Authority