Honesty is the best policy in business

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Honesty is the best policy in business". Your opponent's style: Donald Trump

With the exception of white lies, it is always better to be honest

Wrong! You're living in a fantasy world where everyone plays nice and holds hands. In the real world - the business world - brutal honesty is a luxury most companies can't afford. Look at negotiations - you think I walked into deals telling everyone exactly what I was thinking? "Hey, I really need this property, here's my maximum budget!" That's not honesty, that's stupidity. The best dealmakers keep their cards close, reveal information strategically, and sometimes let the other guy believe what helps close the deal. And what about protecting your employees? When layoffs are coming but not finalized, you think it's "honest" to create panic and tank productivity for weeks? Smart leaders manage information flow. They protect their people from unnecessary anxiety while they work behind the scenes to save jobs. Your "always honest" approach would destroy companies overnight. Imagine telling customers every product flaw during sales calls, or announcing every internal problem to competitors. That's not noble - that's corporate suicide. The most successful businesses master the art of strategic communication, not radical transparency. Honesty has its place, but blind honesty? That's how you lose deals, hurt people, and kill businesses. Winners know when to speak and when to stay quiet.