Insight #3: It is better to "lie" than to "spin."

Insight #3: It is better to "lie" than to "spin."

It is better to "lie" than to "spin." Hmmmm . . . . how could that be?

When we are lying - we know it is not the truth. It's a little different with spin. Spin has gotten so pervasive and acceptable - the truth has become this vast gray area with expanding boundaries. We exaggerate, over-promise, shade things, embellish, slant, skew, show-the-best-side, promote, push and position.

Let's think this through.

We see the problem first and foremost in "marketing spin." Marketing spin is the process of creating illusions of value while keeping reality hidden. Like an embellished resume, everything good about the offering is highlighted, promoted, positioned, and exaggerated - while ignoring the "whole truth." Advertisers certainly know how to present a product or service in its most attractive associations.

Unfortunately, spin will ultimately erode brand value. While the brand (and brand management) is supposed to raise the level of integrity between the product and the customer - marketing spin undermines that relationship by distorting reality. In other words, my experience with the product does not match up with its promise!

Our personal lives are no stranger to spin either. In some way we all have something to sell. But here's the problem. We tend to "spin" everything. Whether it's our resumes (I would like to meet the person in my resume!) - the stories we tell - or the presentations we make at work - the data is always skewed in some way. We position things. Leave other things out. We put our best foot forward continuously. Our report to the boss that makes current business conditions appear to be better than they truly are - is spin!

Spin. We do it naturally and continuously. Next time you tell your favorite story - try to assess how far it has moved from the actual event (just how big was that fish?). In the process of spinning, we lose connection with reality. We lose our feel and need for the truth. And because spin is so pervasive -it requires new capabilities in trust detection (e.g., what can I actually believe in the presentation I just heard?).

So, here's your challenge. Try this for one week. Unflinchingly tell the truth.

Be as realistic as possible. (You can still add emotion to a story or presentation without distorting the truth - or spinning.) When you tell that story - stick to what actually happened. Keep it real. When in a position to self-promote or embellish - give the real answer. Notice that there is an authenticity that emerges that is actually quite appealing. It is the same authenticity that we look for in ...living with Arete!

Yes, Show Me The Same System You Use, So I Can Also Make BIG Money From Home!

A Valid E-Mail Address Is Required Otherwise You Will Not
Receive This Information.

We Respect Your Email Privacy and Will Not Spam You.
Any E-mail You Receive Comes With An 'Unsubscribe' Link.

The Arete Guy's Leadership Insights Series