Let’s be clear, this isn’t a lecture on honesty; of course we must always tell the truth, that is a given. I am talking about leaders being open with real issues and real choices that need to be made. Your teams have a right to know what they are up against. They have a need to be part of the decision making process. They also have the best ideas about how to approach the issues.

Tell them what has happened. Tell them what is happening. Tell them what is going to happen.

But, before you jump right in and tell the truth, follow these three steps:

Before you tell the truth you have to know the truth. Research, monitor, know the history, the current issues, and have a view of the future.

The most successful leader is the one with the best information. Don’t be a leader who cries wolf unnecessarily or you will lose credibility. Don’t be a leader whose afraid to say it the way it is or your team will lose faith.

Be like Joe Friday as he researched a case on Dragnet. “Just the facts ma’am.”

Before you tell the truth you have to prepare the truth to be told. Everyone learns differently, speak the truth in a way they will understand.

Some like no holds barred – just let me know, kind of communication. Others relate better to stories, parables. Remember, the goal is for your message to be received – not just told.

“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” – Napoleon Hill

Before you tell the truth you have to believe in telling the truth. People know if your sincere or not.

Leadership is persuading others to follow you. That won’t happen unless you tell the truth. Don’t just go through the motions. Be ready and willing to listen and respond to your team’s fears. Be open to considering every option. Be specific about the reason for choosing the final solution.

“To be persuasive, we must be believable; to be believable, we must be credible; to be credible, we must be truthful.” – Edward R. Murrow