Five Workplace Lies & What to Do About Them

Sweaty hands! Shaking legs! You’ve just delivered a key presentation to the board. This idea has taken you weeks of research. You get polite smiles and a vague promise of "we'll take it under consideration." Disheartened, you tell yourself, "At least they value innovation here." But a nagging feeling persists: is that entirely true?

Or do they just say that?

It sounds pretty cut-throat, but instead of trying to sugarcoat it, we should face the reality of how the human mind operates within a workplace context.

The truth is that workplaces are complex ecosystems, and sometimes, the mantras we hear don't quite match reality. Here are 5 common lies we tell ourselves and why it's important to be aware of them:

1. "Employees Are Our Greatest Asset”

This one can sting. You put in the extra hours and go the extra mile, but promotions seem to go elsewhere. While some companies truly value their people, for many, employees are seen as a cost, not an investment.

The Fix: Focus on developing your skills and network. If your company isn't nurturing your growth, consider exploring opportunities elsewhere.

2. "We Have an Open-Door Policy"

I’ve never met a manager or seen a company without an open-door policy. But how many employees go through that door? That’s the real trust test.

Imagine approaching your boss with a well-thought-out concern, only to be met with a dismissive, "Now's not a good time." Open-door policies are fantastic in theory, but true openness requires a culture of psychological safety.

The Fix: Seek out allies in the company. Talk to trusted colleagues and gauge their true openness before voicing concerns.

3. "We Put Customers First”

This mantra can feel hollow when pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines or quotas at the expense of customer satisfaction. While some companies prioritize customer experience, others prioritize short-term profits.

(How often have you wasted time listening to “We put customers first,” kid sister, “Your call is important to us?”)

The Fix: Look for opportunities to go the extra mile for the customer, even within existing systems. Focus on building trust and loyalty, which can benefit both the customer and the company in the long run.

4. "Trust Me"

This phrase often uttered during company-wide announcements, can feel hollow after a string of broken promises. Trust takes time to build and rebuild.

The Fix: Hold leadership accountable. Look for evidence that actions align with words. If you are a leader, follow through on your promises or make authentic amends when you can’t.

5. "Take Risks - Be More Innovative”

Feeling stifled by a culture of "play it safe"? This seemingly innovation-friendly mantra can feel empty if new ideas are consistently shot down. True innovation requires psychological safety and a willingness to experiment.

The Fix: If the company culture doesn't support calculated risks, focus on excelling within existing structures. Innovation can also happen on a smaller scale within your team or project.

It’s often not that a group of people want to be liars. They generally want to be seen as the good guys, and these “lies” might be true in an ideal world. But we need to be aware of and work within what is real. Just be careful of organizational platitudes.

Your leadership journey is up to you. It helps to see the way clearly so you can travel safely with those you lead.

What can you do now, today, to watch out for areas where words don’t align with reality?

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Until next time.

Mike