LM1160 I Can Lie, but Won’t

LM1160 I Can Lie, but Won’t

LM, Episode 1160, 2/20/23, (Remaster Episode 96, 2/18/20), I Can Tell A Lie, but Won’t

George Washington’s birthday is this month.  George supposedly told his father he couldn’t tell a lie.  Mark Twain said, “I have a higher and grander standard of principle than George Washington.  He could not lie.  I can, but won’t.”

Research shows learning to lie is a natural part of a child’s brain development between the ages of 3-5 years old and I was fortunate to be there when our son, Keith figured out lying. 

When our kids were young, they went to the office with me one morning a week. You know a three year old can’t read, but they recognize those golden arches.  One morning our daughter, Maggie, says, “Daddy, there’s a McDonalds, let’s get ice cream.”

In my defense, Twyla had numerous times explained to these two the difference between good food and treats and they can’t have a treat until they have good food, so I go, “You know your momma won’t let you have ice cream for breakfast.”

Keith’s face lights up, “Hey, let’s not tell her.”  He looked so proud, convinced he was the first person to realize you don’t always have to tell the truth.

If you manage people, I believe the number one quality you must possess is honesty.  Barry Posner says the number one expectation our employees have is we always tell them the truth.  Frank Navaran says there is no justification for ever lying to employees.  We are our employee’s best source for honest, accurate information and honesty is the cornerstone to a trust based relationship.  Be like Mark Twain, have a grander standard of principle that our founding father, even though you can lie, don’t.

And to my two children, I expect a quality birthday gift this year or I’m telling your momma about the ice cream breakfast you had in 1989.  

Thank you for listening and always remember laughter matters.