SCHOOL LEADERS MUSTN’T LIE

As a school leader you are not required to tell the whole truth.*

There are times you might share part of what you know to be true and hold on to other parts, often to protect people or the organization.

There are other times where you may say nothing at all, perhaps to minimize negative reactions or prevent chaos from erupting.

As a school leader you are not required to always tell the whole truth…but you better not lie!

If you say things that are not true – blatant falsehoods – you are destroying your credibility and, as a consequence, the positive influence that is expected to accompany the authority of your position. Telling lies will undermine you professionally and you will likely not be able to recover.

Occasionally, you may say something that, upon future reflection might be interpreted to be untrue. It might be wise to make things right with the person(s) who received your original information. Situations certainly vary.

School Leaders Mustn’t Lie!

*Unless compelled to by legal statute or the equivalent.