Corporate Deception

In this time and place we live in a world in which we are more apt to be experiencing an illusion that a reality. Kind of makes the whole old normality and the disruptive new normality a slight be confusing. So are we missing the old illusion and now seeking a new one? It seems as though we are compelled to not be satisfied simply by the truth but have adopted a thirst for embellishment.

Looking at this situation it appears that it started with two factors, education and compelling success of others.  It would seem that education has been quite purposeful in communicating the need mechanics and framing of brands and market promotions. So articulate and smartly constructed that it created a picture that needed some adornment, simply it was too bland. This situation caused difficulties in creating unique visibility and a compelling testimony. To alleviate this condition a bit of poetic embellishment was applied that permitted the audience to discern their own realities, rather than simply being told the facts. Those that were a bit nervous with this abdication were swayed by those exploring souls that had given way to this redirection and enjoyed significant improvements in success.

This deception was not just in words but also in deeds. Thinking back to early examples of advertising the one that comes to mind is the stunts performed with the Bic pen. It was strapped to a skate and was subjected to writing through butter. All of these smartly crafted stunts, on the surface, seemed to illustrate amazing versatility. Although it is doubtful if either condition would be one that your Bic pen would encounter. But it relied on the viewer to understand that the conditions did not stress the ability of the pen but were simply conditions that did not affect it’s ability to write. This sort of creative deception has been used similarly with food products, vehicle endurance and even the happy welcoming customer hospitality industry. What you see may not always be what you get unless the conditions are exactingly the same.  

Let’s face it takes a bit of captivating creativity to elevate interest in a pen. So in addition to education and successful results the whole notion of deception takes a leap forward to involve product and brand appeal.  Think of it like putting a suit on a felon for a court room appearance, they remain as such regardless of how well they are dressed.  

Deception has a way of creeping into an organization. What started out as a sincere and innocent intention becomes a customary purposeful act. Aside from brand, products and services it has become a societal condition affecting the company and the people. In recent years the notion of persona, personal branding, social positions and events have all become fertile ground for embellishment. Certainly if you looked at any of these areas you would see gross similarities,

• Simple labels involving aptitudes that have a low frequency of occurrence (ie. Speakers, writers, leaders),
• Community minded through brand use and a monetary endorsements,
• Leadership that is superficial to standing and characterized by role and not by achievements,
• Social stands reflecting mood of the moment exploitation, and
• Contradiction in claims vs. extent of truth.

These situations are applicable universally.  One area that we are confronted by is proof of ability and with most businesses there are certain large companies that we have had professional contact with. Maybe it was simply an attendee in a seminar or at a conference, so the company get’s listed as one of our business contacts. But is it or is casual contact a bit too much license to permit when it relates to businesses served? Does the referenceable contact need to be more a case of a commissioned engagement?  This then extends to the matter as to the types of work that we have done. I’m sure that some of you have seen, and possibly even used, cases in which you work was part of a larger team lead effort so is it fair to claim credit for that initiative as a participant?  Obviously these conditions are abated in the course of time because durable proof becomes factually evident. But in those early years or product/service introductions it’s becomes imperative to establish legitimacy and this is done through a bit of creative deception (most often without notable risk to the client).

As a business we have established a personal standard of conduct. Given years of service we have not had to embellish as would be expected in fresher companies. But it would be untruthful to say that we didn’t succumbed (early years) to selective word crafted embellishments or the more cautious use of topical simplification. This lead the prospect to either deduce or to raise questions that served as an effective tool for dialog. It became a case in which the matter of not saying the words offered the opening for the words to be discussed. Discussions then lead to formed relationships, demonstration of talent and a trust to be formed.

Deception sounds a bit harsh, so don’t be bothered by it even though that is what is taking place. Consider it to be a matter of framing, putting just the right amount of embellishment that will draw attention and captivate interest. The line becomes one of truth vs. false assertions, and that line can be very vague when compelling desires overtake the need for integrity. Be cautious, purposeful and understand that,

• A lie is lasting,
• Framed simplicity creates a dialog,
• Dialog produce opportunities and trust,
• Cohesive integrity is achievable, and
• The best foot forward is one that keeps things real.

Decision Points:

• Degree of integrity, oversight and responsible care,
• Embellishment code
• Realm of control for deceptive practices
• Handling of consequential events

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Clarity Group Global is an intellectual decision validation institution dedicated to the support of leaders, companies and organizations that face challenging choices. Making right decisions that produce significant value equates to less disruption and chaos, "non-tradition made exceptional".