Truth in business is fundamental.
Transparency, accountability and honesty are non-negotiable. There is no such thing as half-truths and white lies. Trust in advertising, quality, service, maintenance and care is the very essence of sustainable, mutually beneficial and rewarding relationships.
BIG QUESTION
Why, then, are there instances of regulatory authorities imposing substantial fines and other penalties on major and minor entities, including banks, airlines, mining companies, financial institutions, accounting practices, retailers, manufacturers, and medical care facilities? It’s a big question, with many sad and lamentable answers.
WHO MONITORS THE MONITOR?
Politicians are often keen to apply “the pub test” to others and to seek sanctity in self-determined rules governing their own activities and expenditures of public funds. If such rules allow inappropriate, inequitable and unconscionable behaviour, then the simple remedy is to change the rules.
There are or should be no shades of grey. Truth is an absolute. Everything else is a lie. Businesses, governments and people can and do live lies over extended periods. Their beliefs and values are compromised. No amount of rationalisation or attempts at justification is worthy of consideration or acceptance.
IT IS A SIN TO TELL A LIE
Lies perpetuated by companies typically involve multiple people – internal and possibly external. That goes to the very core of an entity, its culture. Bonding forces driven by such tenuous values are fluid indeed. Remember:
If you don’t stand for something
You will fall for anything
A lack of trust in advertising, quality, policies and practices seldom arises in isolation.
Reputations are hard-earned and easily lost.
PEACE OF MIND
The formulation of plans, campaigns and actions – be they informal or abstract – is intended for the systematic application.
Adherence to the medical formula is essential for the well-being of patients and recipients. The consequences for noncompliance can be profound, immediate, widespread and ongoing. So too in commerce. Healthy entities deserve nothing less.
Doing the right things and doing them right inevitably carry costs. There should be and is no second thoughts. Creative accounting counts for little or nothing.
Given widespread disbelief and cynicism among clients, customers, and the public at large, values are valued, genuine beliefs are believed, and honours are honoured. Virtues personified.
A NEW MANTRA
In the prevailing vexed, complex and challenging economy and marketplace, a single mantra should be applied universally:
VINCIT VERITAS
That concise Latin term is easy to comprehend and to apply.
TRUTH CONQUERS
Barry Urquhart
Business Strategist
Marketing Focus
M: 041 983 5555
E: [email protected]
W: www.marketingfocus.net.au
COMMENTARY: REGRESSION ANALYSIS
Regress to the genesis. Determine the core values, the focused purpose and the “true north”.
Foster understanding. It is a great way to connect.
REFLECT. REVIEW. RECALIBRATE. LIKE. SHARE.
by Barry Urquhary – (c) 2026.
Read Time: 3 minutes.
