The single-bullet list of what matters in communicating.

A few weeks ago, I came across a LinkedIn post titled The 7 Cs of Communication. It presented the principles of being Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Considerate, Consistent, and Connected. The alliterative list was neat—and even a little cute. But for all its cleverness, it left out the one principle that matters the most: Honesty.

When I commented on the post about it missing honesty, someone replied that “’Correct’ covers that somewhat.” But this missed my point entirely. Honesty isn’t something you shoehorn into another ideal just to keep your alliterative allusion. It’s the foundation of respect, integrity, and teamwork. Without honesty, even the most polished communication will eventually collapse.

Honesty as the Core of Communication

Honesty doesn’t mean oversharing or revealing every detail. There are always confidential matters, and the more senior you become, the more sensitive information you’ll need to protect. But honesty does mean that responses like, “I don’t yet know,” “I can’t share that with you yet,” or “The plan is still being worked on,” are all not only legitimate, but are often deeply appreciated. These answers demonstrate transparency, showing that honesty doesn’t require full disclosure, just sincerity.

This is especially true during difficult times for the workforce; a great example is in post-merger integrations. A well-respected colleague shared their approach with me to such situations. During one particularly challenging merger, many employees had to be informed that their roles would end. Yet, this tough news was delivered with honesty and respect. By being honest, they provided not only clarity but also dignity to those affected, fostering trust even in the most difficult of times.

Each person was told the timeline for their role’s transition, what the new company would do to support their career going forward, and the financial arrangements they could expect. Employees were given the information they needed to go home that evening and have an open, informed conversation with their partner. The next day, they returned to work with a sense of clarity and focus, ready to contribute during the transition period. They could also plan the next chapter of their career openly, without the stress of secrecy.

This approach wasn’t easy, but it built trust and respect, even amid upheaval. It’s a powerful example of how honesty strengthens teams, even during moments of uncertainty.

The Damage of Dishonesty

The opposite approach—the one driven by dishonesty—yields a very different result. During a major internal restructure I was once involved with, our Group CEO held a webcast where they proudly proclaimed, “Nothing will change.” It was a statement so obviously false that it insulted everyone listening. Major changes were inevitable, and his disingenuous assertion didn’t fool anyone.

When those changes began to roll out, the story didn’t evolve. The CEO and his minions continued to parrot the same empty reassurances, eroding their own trust and credibility with every repetition. This breakdown in trust had a cascading effect, undermining morale and productivity across the organization. People stopped believing, started looking out for themselves, and the ensuing departures were inevitable.

The lesson was clear: Once people no longer believe their leader has integrity, they check out. And when they start leaving, the leader is often the last to know.

Personal Betrayals and Professional Lessons

Dishonesty isn’t limited to leadership. I’ve worked with colleagues who said things like, “We’re in this together,” or even, “If you leave, I leave.” But when faced with pressure, they break under pressure, choosing easy self-preservation over integrity. The easy road becomes more important than integrity to people like this. These experiences weren’t just disappointing—they were reminders of how dishonesty tarnishes relationships and reputations. Dishonesty isn’t just a moral failing; it’s a strategic one. It erodes trust, sabotages collaboration, and leaves lasting damage.

People remember who stands by their word—and who doesn’t. In business and in life, those memories linger.

Why Honesty Matters More Than Ever

We live in a world of constant change, where uncertainty is a daily reality for many businesses. Whether it’s navigating a merger, leading through a crisis, or simply managing day-to-day operations, people look to their leaders for stability and guidance. Honesty is the foundation of trust, the bedrock of effective leadership and teamwork. It’s what separates leaders who inspire and earn loyalty from those who simply manage processes and check boxes.

True leaders understand that their role goes beyond overseeing processes and meeting targets. They inspire their teams through transparency, earning trust through their words and actions. Those who manage without leading, avoiding hard truths or accountability, may keep the wheels turning temporarily, but they fail to ignite any real commitment. Instead, they breed skepticism, disengagement, and, ultimately, turnover.

When you communicate with honesty, you build bridges of respect and understanding. Your team knows they can rely on you, even when the road ahead is unclear. And that reliability fosters loyalty, engagement, and performance.

Forget the Buzzwords—Focus on What Matters

So, forget what you know about communicating. Forget the buzzwords and the alliterative checklists. If you focus on only one thing, let it be honesty. Great leaders inspire trust—and trust begins and ends with the courage to be honest.