You've Got to Be Kidding!: How to Keep Your Job Without Losing Your Integrity

What Do I Do If I Am Asked to Lie?

What if you have a boss or client who hints, expects, or explicitly asks you to lie for him?

I have found that calling a lie exactly what it is—a lie—deters most requests. The challenge, of course, is to do this tactfully without shaming your boss and thereby creating a rift between you. I suggest you find a way to use “uncomfortable” in your protest, because it’s not a judgmental or confrontational term. You could simply say, “I’m uncomfortable with this request.” This gets the conversation started and safely launches you into taking the following steps:

• Repeat the request back to him or her. It’s up to you to see through your boss’s tactics and put it right back into her lap clearly and succinctly. Ask the simple question: “In other words, Susan, you wish me to lie to the client for you?” Or “In other words, George, you wish me to alter these figures on this report for you?” This will be a wake-up call for them, because you have accomplished two things: (1) Your boss will realize that you fully understand what you are being asked to do and that you recognize it is an unethical and/or illegal request. You have made it clear to him that he is overstepping boundaries. (2) You are giving your boss the opportunity to withdraw the request and save face, thereby solving your problem without having to go any further. But what happens if your boss does not back off and presses on with: “Yes, I want you to lie for me”? Then, you have to take a definitive ...