Honesty Is The Best Policy

200 followers

5 years ago

Honesty is the best policy;

This is something I was taught in my formative years and I lived with it engrained in my whole being.

I once had an interview with an Executive whom I was considering to be my prospective client. We met and exchange pleasantries, then it was time to get to serious business. I thought I was prepared for this client as I had done my research prior to our meeting. I was feeling very confident that I would go through the interview with flying colors.

What I did not anticipate was the "ton of" questions that were thrown at me. I felt like I was the one being interviewed. I did not know the answers to most of the questions asked, as the products he inquired about was like 20 years before my time.

I had to make a decision there and then, and I remembered my beloved grandfather's words "honesty is the best policy". I felt broken in that moment of time as I saw the business going out the door but I did what I felt was right.

I calmly responded "Sir, I honestly don't know the answer to your questions but I will get someone to answer them for you, if you will allow me a few minutes. He sat opposite me looking very assured and nodded to my request.

I went back to my manager's office and ask him if he could give me some assistance as I was being asked questions to which I didn't have the answer, and I feel he would be the best person to help. He looked long and hard at me then said 'ok', but you better make it worth my time".

He was indeed able to address the client's concerns and ended up having a great conversation as they seemed to be very comfortable with the subject. I sat quietly in the background, but I was learning too; for the next time I was asked those questions, I was equipped to answer them.

It turned out that this Executive was the master-mind in the implementation of the product he was asking about and was testing my integrity. I was commended for being honest about not having the answer rather than telling a lie to a sale. I walked out of the interview with what was my biggest sale of all times and referrals more than I could imagine....so

The next time someone asked a question; try to be polite and honest about it rather than saying "I did not ask you for questions". Our community need genuine and honest people. We are here to provide solutions and to help others. Our reward will come in the process of helping.

Be kind one to another. Love Y'all.

MazieD