6 situations where honesty is not the best policy

It is of utmost importance that we stay honest with our colleagues and superiors. Although this saying may be relevant for most of life's situations, honesty may actually not be the best policy in certain situations in the workplace. Instead, as an employee, you may find that some things are better left unsaid.

This doesn't mean that we are encouraging you to lie to your bosses and colleagues outright, but instead, we suggest that some finesse is used around the workplace. Here are 6 situations where honesty may not actually be the best policy.

1. You are angry with a colleague/superior

In the workplace, tensions and emotions can run high and sometimes you may be tempted to vent your anger and frustration with that person or a coworker. While the feeling of releasing all of your pent-up rages is great, you should never do so. Why?

This is because word travels fast around any workplace and before you know it, you may find yourself at odds with a colleague or superior which can severely damage workplace relations. Along with this, spreading malicious tales about your coworkers is a quick way to being quickly identified as both untrustworthy and petty.

Instead, forget your emotions and head on over to the gym after work or take a quick 15-minute break, so you don't end up feeling overwhelmed.

2. You have coworkers or bosses who cannot accept criticism

While many organizations may state that honesty is valued above everything else, dealing with narcissistic coworkers and superiors is an entirely different kettle of fish. Narcissists are unable to accept any form of criticism and will react negatively to any perceived threat to their dominance.

Instead of openly confronting a narcissistic coworker or boss, choose to arrange a private meeting with them on a one-to-one basis. This eliminates his/her need to "show off" and allows you to gently express your disagreement or suggest new ideas.

3. You are in an exit interview

Exit interviews are used by organizations as an attempt to improve retention rates. While some employees may be tempted to treat exit interviews as a chance to express their frustration and anger at the organization, this should be viewed as a big no-no.

Rather than lashing out at the organization and venting your frustrations, be cordial and professional at all times as you may one day wish to return to the company. Instead, you should point out how the organization can improve certain processes and ways of working; when done in a proper and polite manner, you can use an exit interview as a chance to give your past employer with a good impression.

Treat exit interviews as a chance to part with the company on good terms as this will undoubtedly leave you with a great reference.

4. Your last employer was a nightmare, and you're furious

There is no doubt that horrible bosses and toxic workplaces exist. However, when you join a new organization, all of this should be left in the rear view mirror where it belongs. While your previous employer may have been the devil in disguise, use that experience to your advantage manner by learning from the mistakes made by your previous employer.

Not only does this pave the way for expansion and growth in your career, your current employer will appreciate your professionalism and desire for growth. In retrospect, bad-mouthing a previous employer will only result in your current employer wondering how long will it take before you turn on them.

5. You are serving your notice period

Employees are usually required to serve a notice period of one to three months upon tendering their resignation. During this period, you may be tempted to mouth off to all those people who ever wronged you. However, you should step back and not let your emotions run wild.(Read 10 essential dos & don'ts during your notice period )

While payback is definitely sweet, criticizing and complaining about how you have been wronged all this while by the company makes you look petty and vengeful. Instead, take the time to analyze what went wrong and use it as an opportunity to plot your next career move.

6. You don't think this job is right for you (but you still need a job)

While it is highly unrealistic to expect employees to be totally passionate about their work, employees have a duty to meet the expectations of their employers. If you find yourself in the unenviable position of working a job in which you have no interest in, it is best that you keep such information to yourself.

Expressing disinterest in your work is a red flag for any employer, and before you know it, you could be shown the door. Thus, if you find yourself disconnected from your work, you should ideally take the time to improve yourself and your skills while searching for better opportunities elsewhere.

While it has often been said that honesty is the best policy, this situation is not necessarily so as saying the wrong thing at the wrong time can lead to oneself ending up in hot water. If you are dissatisfied with your current job, head on over to JobStreet.com and hunt for the job that you truly desire.

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