Scroll your social media feed or online news portal and you will see it filled with news of corruption and lies! We see it in politics and in business.

I believe that if we want to be successful in the long run be it in our careers, business, or even politics, we have to run by one important code in our lives.

I have 5 codes that I and my company lives by, one of the key codes that will make you successful in the long term is honesty.

This is especially true in a world that is getting more and more transparent!

What does it mean to have a code of honesty?

It means that we don’t lie, cheat, bribe, steal, or corrupt.

I absolutely believe in transparency, integrity, and honesty. I demand it not only from myself but my team as well.

Why is it important?

One of the most important assets that we have in our business and careers, is not just our physical assets, people, or skills. But it is the asset of TRUST!

If you’re in an industry that is filled with people who are untrustworthy, your trustworthiness will be like a diamond amidst the coal.

Although people may not appreciate or realize your value initially because of the noise in the market and false promises, the market will eventually evolve and realize the truth.

Because of that time lag, some people and companies are lured to short-term gains via unethical ways. You see it in the CEO’s who typically have a short tenure and have to produce results in 2 years for example.

How do you then live by this code?

One simple way is to not over-promise!

I see it in a lot of desperate salespeople and business owners, who promise, promise, promise, but never deliver.

If I ever come to a situation where the client requires more than I can deliver, I would just tell them that I can’t.

And you know what? Trust is built in that process, they return to me as a trusted advisor and solutions provider. Knowing that I have their best interest at heart.

I may not have gained a sale in the short term, but I have certainly gained loyalty for the long term.

So, be honest! And keep your eyes on the long-term goal. It will eventually pay off, even though it may not seem like it in the short run.

Have you ever experienced an over-promiser? Share in the comments section below 👇