Publications Elemental Truths, Lifehacker, Lifehacks, Faith Based Counseling, EZine
Education/Credentials BA, MA, DoCC
Past/Present Clients Education systems in WV, FL, and NC. Correctional institutions in FL. Mental Health institutions in Fl.Private school settings in TN. Commercial clients in TN. Numerous private clients.
Expert: Dr. Reg Adkins Date: 4/19/2008 Subject: Employees behaviour
Question Hello
I operate a seasonal landscaping buisness,and I have three employees(foreman) that return to work ever year.
I have noticed that the quality and quantity of their work has declined (its hard to find good help so what can you do) but my chief concern is that they are all starting to frequently exaggerate if not tell outright 'whoppers'-not to me but to their respective work crews.
They dont show any symptoms of psychosis that I would recognise.
One is being treated for a thyroid condition,one is diabetic,and the other may be a chronic alcohol and marijuana user.They are all single,in their late forties,two still live at home.
This may not seem like a big deal but they are each in charge of a work crew consisting mainly of university students. These kids are intelligent and have complained to me about this behaviour.A couple have quit on me because of this. These kinds of jobs are easy to get.
Just do the work and try not to get involved in your foremans personality is what I say,but they work long hours and drive together in a crew cab to the worksites so they get pretty close.
I have spoken to these individuals about this but each denies a problem.
Can you suggest anything? I think they might be offended if I asked them to go for counseling.I dont think I could afford it anyway.
Any thoughts appreciated on why people act this way.Is this an age thing,or an indication of mental illness?
The two that live at home have had pretty dull lives so are they trying to make themselves look and feel more important?
This may seem like a minor problem but I would like to keep these gentleman around wnd reduce any workplace conflicts. Thanks!
Answer Hello Carl,
Thank you for the opportunity to answer your question.
You may not be completely satisfied with my answer.
The situation you describe is fairly constant in its existence whether you are a landscaper, a contractor, or a jet pilot. People (especially males with some level of authority) have a tendency to exaggerate, to stretch the truth, to speak in a flamboyant way...in other words... to lie.
Many psychologists will tell you that this is a method for establishing their dominance. If they exaggerate their prowess they are perceived as more powerful and thus worthy of respect and admiration by other men. If exaggerate their level of importance they are more likely to be viewed a a suitable mate by the women they encounter.
As a doctorate of Christian Counseling, I on the other hand will offer you another alternative explanation. Men lie because, as a society, we reward them for it.
Although we're socialized from the time we can speak to believe that it's always better to tell the truth, in reality society often encourages and even rewards deception. Show up late for an early morning meeting at work and it's best not to admit that you overslept. You're punished far more than you would be if you lie and say you were stuck in traffic. Moreover, lying is integral to many occupations. Think how often we see lawyers constructing far-fetched theories on behalf of their clients or reporters misrepresenting themselves in order to gain access to good stories.
My suggestion for you would be to talk to those being lied to. Share with them that if they "call someone" on the lie they tell, they are much less likely to be lied to the next time. It is somewhat like calling the bluff of a poker player. If he knows those around the table are ever ready to call his bluff, the lie looses its usefulness and he doesn't try it.
