Prioritize truth over the easiest path.

Be honest about what you don't know and diligent about what you do know.

There will be times when you’re asked a question in a meeting that you simply can’t answer. Avoid the urge to “fake it” or guess; being caught in an inaccuracy can damage your reputation instantly. Instead, be direct: “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’re accountable and committed to giving the team accurate information.

Transparency builds your integrity. As you move up, the decisions you make will have bigger consequences, and your team will need to rely on your word.

Taking initiative also means to be the person who pays attention to the small print. If a number looks a bit off or a source seems outdated, don’t just ignore it to get the task done faster. Respectfully bring it up by saying, “I noticed a small discrepancy in this figure; should we double-check it before we send this to the client?” By acting as the guardian of the team’s accuracy, you show your care for the quality of the company’s reputation.

Put these approaches into practice.

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