The Truth about Lies in the Workplace

Introduction

FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE BEEN A CONTRIBUTOR TO Forbes.com. I write articles about body language—its impact on a leader’s effectiveness in managing change, engaging employees, leading collaboration, negotiating, and communicating with a multicultural workforce. My more popular entries usually receive 10,000 to 20,000 hits.

On April 11, 2012, I posted the blog “12 Ways to Spot a Liar at Work.” Within 10 days the post had been viewed 262,929 times. Clearly, the number of hits showed that this topic struck a chord with my business and leadership audiences.

It also reflected my growing interest in the subject. I had been trained as a therapist and knew how to track, mirror, and analyze nonverbal cues. In my private practice and later ...