Shouldn't A Leader Tell The WHOLE Truth?

While the oath that a witness takes in a court room, specifies telling the whole truth, why do we continue to not demand, at least the same level of absolute integrity, from those in leadership positions? Many so - called leaders justify shading the truth by telling themselves, they are doing so, in the best interests of others, yet, in the vast majority of cases, especially in the longer - term, there is no integrity, until and unless, it is absolute! Those studying data, numbers, or statistics, realize that nearly every study can be skewed, merely by the very way it is constructed, how questions are asked/ posed, and perhaps, the underlying position or preference, of the creator of the particular study! A true leader must understand, it is his responsibility and duty, to maintain absolute integrity, even when it might be difficult, challenging or unpopular, because merely making something easier for the leader, is no excuse for being anything less than truthful. Let's review, from a mnemonic approach, why truth must be WHOLE.
1. Why; what; when; who; where: Often referred to as the 5 W's, these are essential ingredients of truthfulness. Why did something occur, and why are you suggesting a particular remedy or approach? What are the potential ramifications of acting, or doing little? When must action be taken? Where will you seek to progress to? Who will be responsible for implementing, evaluating and participating actively?
2. Healing; head/ heart: The objective of everything a real leader does, must be to unite, unify, and make the group better, stronger and more meaningful. Telling the truth avoids the time, effort and energy involved in perpetuating a lie or a half -truth, and should not only make sense logically, but from an emotional point of view, as well.
3. Objectives; options; opportunities: What's the reason, purpose and objective of what you are doing (or saying)? Why have you opted for this particular option, and what are the other choices available? What opportunities do you visualize, that you seek to take advantage of, for the best interest of the group?
4. Listen; learn; lead: There is perhaps nothing better for an organization than an open, healthy, thorough, honest discourse between a leader, and his constituents, One that leads must get to understand that effectively listening is far more important that empty rhetoric and/ or promises. How can you know what is needed if you don't listen thoroughly, and learn? You can't merely claim to be a leader, unless you take the reins, and actually lead!
5. Enrich; empathy; example; entire story: Paul Harvey often ended his oratory by saying, And now, you know the rest of the story. Are the leader's motives pure, seeking to enrich, or self - serving? Is he empathetic, or does he merely do what he thinks he should? Does he tell others what to do, or lead by example? Is he willing to tell the entire story, or does he merely selectively present the facts which support his personal position?
You can't either be fast and easy, or selectively pick and choose your facts! Although challenging at times, a true leader must be willing to tell the WHOLE truth!

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