Telling the Truth: Why Honesty Matters in Business Writing

In the business world, effective communication is essential to success, and honesty is a fundamental part of building that effectiveness. When we’re honest in our writing, we’re not just sharing information—we’re establishing trust, credibility, and authenticity with our readers. Let’s explore why honesty in writing matters, using real-life examples to show how truthful, transparent communication can set you apart in any professional setting.

Why Honesty Matters in Business Writing

In business, honesty is more than just a virtue; it’s a necessity. Readers can often sense when something isn’t genuine, and trust is hard to rebuild once broken. Transparent communication builds a foundation of reliability, positioning you as someone who is not only informed but also trustworthy. When you’re clear and honest in your writing, you’re also more likely to connect with readers, who value straightforward, accurate information.

Example 1: Warren Buffett’s Letter to Shareholders

One of the best examples of honesty in business writing comes from Warren Buffett’s annual letters to shareholders. In one letter, Buffett describes the unexpected success of his company’s Worker’s Compensation division:

Our performance in Worker’s Compensation was far, far better than we had any right to expect at the beginning of 1979.

Buffett is direct and transparent, giving specific credit to the individuals responsible for the division’s success and explaining their methods. By being open about the factors behind this success, he builds credibility and trust with his shareholders. Buffett’s honesty about the results—not just that they were good but also why they exceeded expectations—reflects his respect for his audience.

Example 2: Buffett’s Honest Housing Market Prediction

In another letter, Buffett displays honesty in an entirely different way by acknowledging a mistake he made in predicting the housing market:

Last year, I told you that ‘a housing recovery will probably begin within a year or so.’ I was dead wrong.

Buffett’s willingness to admit his error openly demonstrates both humility and transparency. By sharing his misjudgment, he maintains the trust he’s built with his audience, showing that he values truth over the desire to appear infallible. This level of honesty not only enhances his credibility but also strengthens his bond with readers, who appreciate candor, especially when predictions go awry.

Activity: Practicing Honesty in Your Own Writing

To apply these principles to your own work, try the following exercise:

1. Select a Piece of Business Writing: This could be an email, a report, or any piece of communication you’ve drafted recently.

2. Identify Areas for Greater Transparency: Look for sentences where you may have softened the truth, used jargon to obscure meaning, or held back an honest opinion.

3. Rewrite for Honesty: Revise these sections to reflect what actually happened or what you genuinely think. Try to remove vague language or jargon that could muddy the message.

4. Share with a Colleague: If possible, discuss your revisions with a colleague and get feedback on the impact of your changes.

Honesty is a powerful element in business writing. Sometimes, when we fill our writing with jargon or ambiguous phrases, we may be unconsciously hiding the truth—perhaps from fear of judgment, concern over controversy, or a reluctance to deliver unpleasant news. But honest writing often feels refreshing, both to the writer and the reader, and can lead to clearer, more natural communication.

If you’re ever tempted to soften a sentence or dodge a point, consider how a straightforward approach might resonate more strongly. Instead of “optimizing messaging,” try “making our message clearer.” Instead of “circumventing obstacles,” try “addressing challenges.” Clear, honest writing invites readers to trust you, and that trust is invaluable.