From the Desk of a Business Coach: Don't Be the Last One to Know

Honesty is important in business, and the headlines are full of the consequences when honesty is lacking. In fact, when we read about dishonesty in high places, we can sometimes miss the ways we are dishonest in our "little" businesses, especially the ways in which we are dishonest with ourselves.

As you may recall from grade school math, the first step in solving story problems is setting them up. Identifying the terms. Noticing what operations were involved. Sorting out the apples and oranges.

Every business problem is a story problem with the added complication that you are part of the story. It's hard enough to get the external terms and operations straight; it's nearly impossible if you are not crystal clear about your own motives, needs, and limitations.

Too often we approach complex business opportunities or challenges without taking our own measure. It's not just that we hide our agenda from others, we hide it from ourselves. It's a wonder any work gets done at all.

This week, take 15 minutes to reflect on some aspect of your business or work that has been troubling. Set a timer and sit with the following questions at least until the time is up. It will help if you write out your answers. If you are stumped by one question, move on to the next one, then come back to the ones you've skipped.

1. What do I know about this that I'm pretending not to understand?

2. What am I afraid of? How did I set that up?

3. What's my responsibility for this (let the other side of the street alone for now, just focus on your side).

4. What do I want, really?

5. What do I have to offer, really, whether or not I am ready to give it?

6. What's in the way of my being honest with myself?

7. What's in the way of my being honest with others about this?

8. From whom am I concealing my real concerns, motives, or beliefs?

Some of these questions may feel uncomfortable. Good! That's a sure sign that you've been keeping something from yourself. Keep asking these uncomfortable questions until you can face the answers squarely. Chances are that other people know or suspect what you've kept from yourself, so do yourself the favor of letting yourself in on the secret.

Honesty is not kid stuff. It's hard work. When you are tempted to wimp out, ask yourself if you can afford to be the last to know the truth.

Use Molly Gordon's small business marketing resource to cast a fresh eye on your business practices and read her articles on work life balance to find ways to become more vibrant, more authentic, more engaged in your life as well as your work, effortlessly attracting business. While on Molly's site, don't forget to join 12,000 subscribers to her ezine and receive a free guide on effective self promotion.