Prioritize truth over the easiest path.

If someone asks you a question in a meeting and you don’t know the answer, don’t guess or make something up. Giving the wrong information can hurt your reputation. It’s best to be honest and say, “I don’t have that specific number in front of me, but I’ll find out and follow up with you by 3 PM.” This shows you take responsibility and want your team to have the right information.

Being open and honest builds your integrity. As you take on more responsibility, your decisions will matter more, and your team will need to trust what you say.

Taking initiative means paying attention to details. If you notice a number that seems off or a source that looks outdated, don’t ignore it just to finish faster. Instead, mention it politely, for example: “I noticed a small discrepancy in this figure; should we double-check it before we send this to the client?” By making sure things are accurate, you show you care about the company’s reputation.

Put these approaches into practice.

Let’s look at practical ways to prioritize accuracy over appearance.