The Real Reason Why Leaders Can't Be Honest

By Jayson Krause, Managing Director of Level 52 & Award-Winning Author of The Science Behind Success

Inside and outside the boardroom, honesty is often promised by leaders but seldom delivered. Why is that? Is it because leaders are inherently dishonest? No, the truth is far more complex and nuanced. The real reason why leaders can't be honest is tied to a fundamental human flaw: we can't always believe everything we think.

Our minds are far from being flawless truth machines. They are more like impressionist painters, creating a version of reality that is influenced by our biases, experiences, and emotions. Don’t think of this as a flaw; but more of a feature. It's how our brains make sense of the world. However, when it comes to leading your organization, this feature can become a dangerous flaw.

Leaders, like everyone, are susceptible to cognitive biases. These biases can distort our perception of reality, leading us to make decisions based on flawed assumptions. For example, confirmation bias can lead us to seek out information that confirms our pre-existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. This can create a distorted view of reality that is far from the “truth”.

The challenge is leaders often find themselves in situations where they have to make decisions with incomplete information. In these situations, our brains fill in the gaps with assumptions and predictions. These assumptions and predictions are not always accurate, and when they're not, they can lead to dishonesty, or at least the perception of dishonesty.

But it's not just cognitive biases and incomplete information that can lead to dishonesty. Fear can also play a role. Leaders may fear the consequences of being honest, such as losing face, damaging relationships, or being perceived as weak. This fear can lead them to withhold information, spin the truth, or even flat-out lie in an attempt to preserve their image and ego.

So, what's the solution? How can leaders overcome these obstacles to honesty?

The first step is self-awareness. Leaders need to recognize their cognitive biases and challenge their assumptions. They need to question their thoughts and beliefs, and seek out diverse perspectives to broaden their understanding. A 360 assessment and executive coaching can be incredible allies in advancing your self-awareness.

The second step is courage. Leaders need to have the courage to be honest, even when it's uncomfortable or inconvenient. They need to create a culture of transparency and openness, where honesty is valued and rewarded above performative actions.

The third step is humility. Leaders need to acknowledge that they don't have all the answers, nor should they. They need to be willing to admit when they're wrong. They need to be open to feedback and willing to learn from their mistakes.

The real reason why leaders can't be honest is not because they're inherently dishonest, but because it’s the cost of being human. They're susceptible to cognitive biases, they make decisions with incomplete information, and they can fear the consequences that come with honesty. But by cultivating self-awareness, courage, and humility, leaders can overcome these obstacles and lead with honesty, integrity and a powerful leader brand.