Absolute Honesty: Building a Corporate Culture That Values Straight Talk and Rewards Integrity

I really learned a lot from this book. It talks about how the workplace has been harmed by too many employees who are "yes" people and toe the party line. They don't make waves in an effort to further their careers. I retired from a place like this over a year ago. I saw the stagnation and poor decisions made in reverence to the all-mighty dollar. This book lauds those employees who are willing to speak the hard truths and voice their opinions when decisions are harmful to others. It shows how Enron and other corporate scandals occurred in the environment where only "yes" people got ahead.

Well written book that all of corporate America managers should be required to read.To read sloooowly so it sinks in.Easy to follow steps that make sense and would help some that are In Trouble.

A great concept and well written

Larry tells it like it is. I saw him at a conference and purchased this book a little later after talking to some of the other company directors. A must read for those in leadership positions.

There are a lot of meaningful insights in this book. The world would be a much easier place to live in if people would be truthful with themselves and others.

Great book

Absolute Honesty by Larry Johnson and Bob Phillips deals with the critical role of honesty, ethics and morals in business. In 10 Chapters and 290 pages, the authors bring out the negative consequences of dishonesty, shying away from speaking up, lack of a clear policy on ethics etc. They point out the benefits of actively following Absolute Honesty. While the book focuses on the corporate scene in USA, especially in the wake of many corporate scandals that broke out in 2002, similar situations have arisen in many other parts of the world and this book strikes a welcome chord in many a heart.The book is meant for every one but especially for leaders and managers of business organisations, big or small. Employees also benefit, since they will learn the need for courage and honesty, the need to stay away from illegal and immoral activities, so that one can not only sleep better but also look at oneself in the mirror after waking up, without guilt.The authors accomplish what they set out to do, very effectively. The book is very well produced, with the important points well structured and effectively communicated. Reading the book was like attending a seminar and listening to Larry speak. The style is lucid and friendly. Bob's rich experience as a Human Resources expert has added significant value to the book, in the form of real life examples.[...]where Chapter 2 is available as sample. Chapter 1 is a good introduction to the book and chapter 10 is a good review of the whole book.All in all, a very valuable addition to the bookshelf of every manager. The book serves the role of a good self-study guide too.I would like to share with the readers of this review, excerpts from a mail which I wrote to Larry Johnson, after reading the book."I finished reading the book. It is excellent and I am really happy that I could read the book.The book appealed to my own strong ethical and moral streak. ..............I found the tips for differing with boss, like off-line communication very useful.I found a few places where I would have edited the matter a litle differently. But in general, the editorial standards are quite high.Would you consider bringing out the contents of this book as a Seminar on Multi-Media CD, or as a companion to the book?Thank you for this excellent book.Swamy"In another development, Larry asked me whether he can share with his readers his experience of my own honesty and integrity. I agreed.

Recent corporate scandals have shaken confidence in leadership and the ethical underpinnings of the business world. Without significant change, we risk increasing problems in the years ahead. It's time for leaders to step forth, declare a commitment to ethical performance, and set the example."Absolute Honesty" tells it like it is, and like it must be. Johnson and Phillips, management consultants who have been inside and seen how things work, have produced a powerful tool. This easy-to-read book emphasizes that no one argues against corporate integrity, but some executives need support on HOW to apply the principles. Readers of "Absolute Honesty" will learn how to build the right kind of cultural infrastructure.The authors argue that too many companies adhere to what they call "the Kumbaya Syndrome---embrace all decisions, no matter how stupid or unethical; smile and sing the company campfire song." It's too easy to just go along, and confronting or fighting superiors or The System is frowned upon.The alternative is to apply their Six Laws of Absolute Honesty: Tell the Truth, Tackle the Problems, Disagree and Commit, Welcome the Truth, Reward the Messenger, and Build a Platform of Integrity. A chapter on each of the laws explains what needs to be done, with effective supporting material including advice, anecdotes, and a style that makes the whole process comfortable and acceptable.The book is organized into three parts. The first part, The Challenge, includes chapters on The Naked Truth and A Culture of Absolute Honesty. These 52 pages set the stage nicely for the rest of the book. Part 2 presents the Six Laws, with engaging detail. Part 3 is aptly entitled "Where Do We Go from Here?" The final two chapters discuss building an ethical infrastructure and Key Points to Help Your Implementation Efforts. Lots of good, practical advice here. The book concludes with Notes and a good index.You'll find this book to be a disarmingly fast read. There's a personal sort of feeling that draws the reader into the subject and keeps the flow moving. This book is one you'll keep in your office-for reference and to send a message to all who enter.

This book was a refreshing read. It provides valuable information on how to build a corporate culture based on honesty, but these principles can be applied anywhere! This would be a great book for high school kids, parents, CEO's, or small business owners - anyone. The principles are tried, true, and timeless.