How often do you lie to your supervisors (or superior) to avoid reprimand from a mistake you made?

2014-11-04T12:21:43-05:00

A lie, an white lie, omitting the whole truth, blame someone else, play dumb, etc... to avoid punishment, reprimand, just to keep life simpler, or to help with a promotion, keep your job (or stay in command), get a job, etc....

I suspect a lot of people won't answer this question out of fear. But a quick response should not cause any issues as probably everyone has told a fib at work sometime in their life. This question is not to get anyone in trouble but to gauge what a company can expect from employees. So if you don't want to answer about yourself in your current job, perhaps you can attest to a colleague or from a past job....

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 12:25 PM

2014-11-04T12:25:38-05:00

I started to do what you describe, SPC Randy Torgerson, regarding a security matter, but my "battle buddy" talked me out of it. It was a no-harm/no-foul issue, but I was wrong. I faltered, but after discussing it with my civilian colleague, I fessed up. I did get a talking to, but nothing further. Honesty really is the best policy.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 12:30 PM

2014-11-04T12:30:58-05:00

I have to say that maybe I do it sometimes, but not on the big issues.

Ten years ago I reported a security violation I had done that almost certainly never would have been discovered (except for by the allies I had inadvertently given classified information to). My former DIVO maintains that it cost me my next promotion for three years.

Earlier on this deployment, I gained enormous respect from one my officers for simply owning up to a mistake I made (leaving a radio in our locked vehicle overnight).

Most recently, I went to my new OIC to accept responsibility for a mistake I made in movement procedures. Probably in part because I went to him, he allowed that it was his mistake as well since he had not briefed me on the unit's movement plan.

I figured out long ago that it was better to own up to mistakes straight away rather than letting the bosses discover them. I'm pretty sure doing that has saved me many ass-chewings, since I'm already telling them I screwed up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 12:35 PM

2014-11-04T12:35:03-05:00

Pertinent to the discussion.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 12:35 PM

2014-11-04T12:35:28-05:00

Truely--never. In my line of work as a PAO, your mistake becomes a headline..."Doctors bury their mistakes. Lawyers hang theirs. Ours goes on the Front Page..."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 1:09 PM

2014-11-04T13:09:49-05:00

One I remember...

One day during the weather changes and just getting the Flu shot I wasn't feeling to good. I went to bed early one night and woke up late. Knowing I wasn't going to make it to PT on time and still not feeling good I sent an (old picture) of a flat tire and sent it to my NCO. I told him I didn't have the tools to switch it out & a friend was on his way with to help me. Got told to come in at 09. So I ended up just going back to sleep.