3 Ways to Spot a Liar

Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

In today’s business world, there is no shortage of lies.

People tell them all the time—sometimes to seek a payoff or avoid responsibility. But these untruths can be hard to detect, especially in complex situations.

Look out for these three signs that you’re being lied to:

1. Discomfort. People who lie often demonstrate visible anxiety. This may be because they’re afraid of getting caught or they feel guilty. Be on the look-out for a fake smile, frozen body language, or lack of eye contact.

2. Evasiveness. Someone who withholds information or keeps the conversation vague may not be telling the truth.

3. Manipulation. When you ask a question, people lying may answer with more detail than necessary. They may also use overly explicit language for emphasis. Watch out for this kind of manipulation.

Today’s Management Tip was adapted from “To Catch a Liar” by Bill Rosenthal and Carolyn M. Anderson.

To read that article and join the discussion, please click here.

 


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