Management Tip of the Day: 3 Ways to Spot a Liar

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 25, 2011 3 Ways to Spot a Liar 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: 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. Evasiveness. Someone who withholds information or keeps the conversation vague may not be telling the truth. 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. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Managing Upward: Harvard ManageMentor Online Module Harvard ManageMentor How well do you work with your supervisor? Gain insight into developing a mutually rewarding relationship, with skills for communicating and negotiating with your manager. Includes tips on presenting problems or opportunities to your supervisor and accepting responsibility for your proposed actions. One-year single user license. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Identify and Stop Workplace Bullying 3 Characteristics of a Real Team 3 Tips for Surviving Work Travel Defy the "Always On" Mindset Good Enough is Better than Great IT 2 Ways to Spot Industry-Changing Trends 3 Ways the Social Sector can Innovate 3 Ways to Get the Most from Your Team 3 Tips for Making a High-Stakes Decision Take a Nap at Work BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Free HBR Interactive issue Download the iPad app HBR Reads, and get your issue with audio and video interviews and multimedia slideshows. Learn more » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2011 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)