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

Can I Slide around It?

Dear Nan:

My boss, who travels a lot, has asked me to lie for her and say she’s out working the territory when she is actually at home (where she tells me she is working). No one would think twice about whatever I said—but I still don’t feel quite right about it. What should I do?

—George in sales, Waconia, MN

Tell your boss from the get-go that you will not deceive others on her behalf. This is simply a matter of self-preservation. And the reason you must give her, of course, is that you may have to be held accountable some day. Don’t worry; she can’t win the accountability argument. This kind of a lie is one you can’t get away with for very long, anyway. And if you choose to lie for her, guess who she’ll take out with her when she comes falling down (and she will)? That’s right—you!

Dear Nan:

I can’t decide which is less unethical: lying to my boss or lying to my coworker. I know, I know; the optimal situation is neither, but believe me—I’m going to have to lie to someone. What should I do?

—Carla in Kalamazoo, MI

I’m sorry, Carla, but I don’t believe you—no one has to lie in the business world. Besides, doesn’t it hurt your head to keep all those lies straight? Of course, you should tell the truth, especially to those with whom you work. You’re probably not fooling anyone, anyway; the human ear is amazingly acute when listening for the truth. The nose is remarkably sensitive, too—and this one doesn’t pass the smell test.

Dear Nan:

I love my job as ...