Is honesty always the best policy?? After reading an article in The Week entitled, “The Last Word: Nothing But the Truth” by A.J. Jacobs (http://bit.ly/1ncj2s), I’m not so sure. Jacobs spent time with Brad Blanton, the man who founded ‘Radical Honesty’—a movement that emphasizes always telling the truth. Blanton started the movement on the premises that if people were more honest and lied to less they would be happier.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I can see the benefits of honesty.  No more having to hide my true thoughts, no unnecessary effort making up lies to placate people or keep them off my back. But, would this whole total honesty thing work? Would people want to be around me if I was telling them, “I didn’t call you back because you annoy me when we hang out too much.” Would I keep my job if I were constantly confessing to my boss, “Sorry but I was so busy surfing youtube today that my proposal won’t be done until tomorrow.” I’m guessing if I stuck with this total honesty plan I wouldn’t have very many friends and I would be looking for a new job.

After thinking it over for a while, and talking to my coach from the Wright Leadership Institute (www.wrightliving.com), I’ve come to the conclusion that there is a difference between total honesty and living an integruous, responsible life.  Yes, I need to take responsibility for my actions, and my mistakes. Yes, I should be open and honest with the people in my life—giving them feedback to help them grow. But, no, I don’t need to share every thought, idea, or criticism that comes to my head. In fact, I think its unfair, and irresponsible to dump on someone else because I’m having a bad day or because they’re annoying me—even if I am being honest and saying what’s in my head.

So what do you think? —total honesty? —or , responsible lies?