If someone lied to your boss would you tell them?

2014-11-26T14:29:46-05:00

If you knew that someone was telling a boldface lie to your boss would you tell them? Does it matter or would your response change if that person is a subordinate, peer, or outranks you?

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Nov 26 at 2014 2:36 PM

2014-11-26T14:36:59-05:00

I would. My reasons might or would be taken wrong by other people in the office but oh well. Honesty and integrity are both principles I admire and hold close to my heart in all situations. I expect nothing less from myself and expect the same from those that I work with and have as friends. I won't get into the "little white lies" as to me they aren't much different than outright lies, but serve a purpose to avoid hurting the feelings of another person.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 3:37 PM

2014-11-26T15:37:07-05:00

Time and place. There's a time to do this that will get the truth and the message across without causing unit discord. Correcting / calling out someone in formation may not be the best way or most effective time. Having a quiet conversation with the senior will allow the senior to handle the situation in their own way and still get the truth to them.

Response by SPC James Seigars made Feb 24 at 2017 5:41 AM

2017-02-24T05:41:48-05:00

Sir,

Loyality, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, HONOR, INTEGRITY, PERSONAL COURAGE. We all know about the Warrior Ethos and that we should practice Leadership regardless of rank. Therefore, it wouldn't matter to me where the person was in the Chain of Command if they are wrong then they need to be corrected. As far as how that happened, THAT depends on if I outrank them or are subordinate to them. If I outranked them or was a peer I would call them out publicly, but if they outranked me I would either speak to them or someone who outranked them privately so as to get the truth out there and the offending person reprimanded and/or counseled ASAP.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 6:10 AM

2018-05-25T06:10:11-04:00

True virtue lies between the mean of two extremes. (Aristotle) The excessively zealous Soldier calls out the boldface lie in front of the boss, his peers, and subordinates-- no matter the what the consequences may be. A lie is a lie. An illustration is Joe Wilson's outburst during a State the Union Address. The excessively deficient Soldier sees a peer or superior lying and then goes on to blackmail and undermine unit cohesion for his personal benefit. He makes the lie worse rather than better. What's the appropriate medicine?

The virtuous thing to do is to approach with respect, but insist on the highest level of integrity. (Also, don't forget the useful principle of praising in public and counseling in private, because this shows due respect to everyone.) That way, you determine the difference between a self delusional liar, someone who has been told not to say anything by a competent authority, and merely someone with an agenda who is burnishing their own reputation. Small lies should have small consequences, but lies that affect the unit and its climate should not be allowed to take root. You can hold your fellow Soldiers to the high Army standards of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Personal Courage and Integrity by demonstrating them at the right time, in the right way. Good luck. It is more difficult than it sounds and requires a very strong character.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 25 at 2018 7:55 AM

2018-05-25T07:55:01-04:00

Yes- he/she is my boss- and decisions that could harm my people or unit could be based on that lie. I would not confront the person- but I would talk to the Old Man in private about it. Staff/SNCO's are responsible for giving advice and the right info to the Commander so he can make the best informed decision possible. (Yes I'm an asshole)