Honesty

In recent times, I hear comments like we have no honest people left. Also, I receive skips from people on topics that bother honesty. Mostly, people communicate how they perceive dishonesty, and some messages explain the effect of dishonesty on businesses in Nigeria and Africa at large. Honesty and dishonesty have always existed. Why much emphasis as if it were a discovery or evolving event? Anyways, I agree that it is easier to get things done by having honest support from team members or people around.

The subject suggests the importance of the attitude and conduct of humans towards businesses. Recently I saw a video where a business tycoon expressed that his main challenge is having an honest staff. In a bid to resolve this issue, he decided to employ expatriates. He believes that his decision is less expensive because the total value of wealth lost when the business was managed by indigenes is greater when compared to the salary paid to these expatriates. This decision has defeated a major objective of youth empowerment as intended. Does it mean honesty is a function of cultural beliefs or the country we come from? Some say they will rather select an honest person for a job role since skills can be learned but a good attitude and honesty are hard to come by. This brings a sense of urgency as I believe candidates should be selected based on their knowledge and years of experience acquired for a specific job role. This is not to say that I disagree with the importance of morals in our society. Like the saying “Wisdom is light, but a wise man without moral is like a well without a rope” – Ronald E Pepin.

In our society, dishonesty is like a stock in trade found in almost every business environment. Sometimes, I wonder if artisans learn the act of being dishonest as part of their skill requirement. Why is it difficult to speak the truth? Or is it that honesty does not earn much? I remember my childhood; morals were thought more in homes than in schools. Fortunately, most schools also took moral teachings seriously being religious schools. So, what changed? We have more religious schools now than ever and a large population spends more time attending religious gatherings. Good morals and values begin at home. In recent times, it appears morals are taught less in homes and the training of a child is left in the hands of schools. Most parents are too busy making earnings. Take time to reflect on yourself, stop comparing yourself to others, avoid liars, do not lie to impress, and be the best version of yourself.

Honesty has become a major prerequisite to a healthy business and society at large – a healthy business environment allows for better living. It is best if we do not compromise good morals for riches. Please remember to pass on the basic teachings of good morals. “The foundations of the world will be shaky until the moral props are restored”- Anne O’Hare McCormick