Uncovering the truth at work isn’t always as simple as asking direct questions. Whether you’re trying to get to the root of a project delay or understand why you weren’t promoted, here’s how to elicit more honest answers.
Do your homework before the conversation. Prepare thoroughly. Build a fact base by gathering feedback, reviewing timelines, and understanding the broader context. The more informed you are, the more persuasive and grounded you’ll be in the discussion.
Lay the foundation for honesty. Start by establishing trust. Signal that you value openness (“I believe in being honest, and I appreciate the same in return”). Acknowledge any boundaries around what can be shared, which models transparency and invites reciprocation.
Build rapport. Lead with empathy. Use a respectful, curious tone and avoid accusatory language. Demonstrate genuine interest in the other person’s perspective to foster a safe space for candor.
Ask the right questions. Frame direct questions that presume a problem: “What concerns do you have about my fit for this project?” This approach is more likely to surface honest responses than general or overly positive phrasing.
Make deception harder. Whenever possible, meet in person. Ask your counterpart for detailed explanations or non-linear timelines to increase their cognitive load, which makes it harder to maintain a lie. |
