The best way to succeed in business in to ensure an environment of open dialogue and especially honesty. The more honest everyone is, the more likely a business will thrive. This keeps from any backbiting, and creates good relationships The reputation of your company being an honest place will get around and shine positively on your business. Every employee is responsible for this, but it comes down to the owner and employer to set this example. However, let’s look at 5 examples of how to encourage honesty in the workplace.

1. Promote open communication

Allowing your employees to communicate openly will allow them to feel heard and considered in their place of work. If they feel that they are able to be honest about some potentially negative things going on at work, they will be able feel like their work environment is always improving. Give them the opportunity to share their concerns, give opinions without them being afraid of what might happen to them if they speak up.

2. Find Solutions to bad behavior

Your employees want to see how you react to a bad seed, or a negative problem. Sometimes it may be important to show your serious side to matters like these. For example, if someone has been stealing from the company, there are many quality in office security monitoring systems. This shows them that you mean business when it comes to honestly in the workplace. They should be able to be honest with you, but if there are transgressions happening, you are showing them that you will deal with them. This will improve negative behavior, or allow you to get rid of them.

3. Fix Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes. Create a setting where your employees can own up to their mistakes, yet have the opportunity to fix these mistakes in a rapid manor. If employees live under the fear of making mistakes means punishing consequences for them, they’ll never own up to anything. Of course you can’t let mistakes continually happen, but if you let employees repair their mess ups, it could lead to a workplace with less mistakes in the future.

4. Reward good work

Along those lines, be sure to reward those employees who are honest, and who do good work. If they are doing things to help your business grow, reward them for that. It will only make them work harder for you.

5. Be an Example

If you hold yourself to the same high standard that you hold them to, they will see that being honest is important to you, and they’ll follow your example. If you’re going to allow them to come to you and be honest about problems, you therefore have the freedom to discuss things you’re concerned about with them. If you have an employee handbook, clearly state that you want honesty to be at the forefront of your business. Make sure when you work with vendors or other customers your employees see you being honest and ethical with them. Your example will lead to success in your business.