
191LAW #5: REWARD THE MESSENGER
and history of back stabbing had created the perception that telling
her the truth was a risky move for the messenger.
People will only risk telling uncomfortable truths when they per-
ceive that it is safe to do so. Both blatant and subtle executions of
messengers will destroy this sense of safety, but they are not the only
ways to inhibit honesty. Inconsistent management will also do the
trick. It’s like riding in a taxicab with a crazy driver. He hasn’t threat-
ened to kill you, but you can see from his behavior that the chances
increase at every turn.
If you want to establish an environment where trust is high and