Have you ever been asked to lie about a situation at work? How did you handle this ethical dilemma?
This question serves as a test of your character. We are all responsible for our own actions and inactions. When ethical dilemmas in the workplace occasionally arise, how you respond to them and the choices you make reflect your ethics and values. Assure the interviewer that you can handle these difficulties with professionalism and poise, remaining focused on the priorities of your team, the company, and the safety of others. As stated by one of NAV CANADA's Four Pillars, "Ensuring ethical, accountable and transparent conduct - Our programs and policies help employees, directors, and officers maintain the high standard of ethical behavior expected of a company entrusted with public safety."
"I've been told I am honest to a fault, and all my coworkers know this about me, which is probably why I've never been told to lie to a fellow employee or supervisor on the job. If I were to be asked to lie, I absolutely would not. I will always be myself and uphold my values and my integrity."
"Yes, I have been asked to lie on the job before. In a previous role, our inventory count was off. My coworker wanted to go home, and he suggested I lie about our count. I refused. They then asked me to keep quiet when they lied about it, and I told them if they moved forward with this ill-advised approach, I would be resentful about being put in the position to come forward. They grew angry at me and didn't talk to me the rest of the night, and we stayed late and got the job done. As we locked up, they asked me if I would tell our supervisors about our conversation. I told them it was just talk, and that, in the end, they chose not to do anything wrong, so there was nothing to tell."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, by my coworker when we were testing chassis, and it was almost the time to load the chamber, and we were not ready, so my colleague tried to finish his job ASAP and rush for the finish line. In that process, one chassis was fallen from the cart and had a dent, so the corner because it fell on the corner side. So he told me, don't tell anyone that I have done this was just someone else. And I calm him down, we load the chamber and talk to him you should say to the supervisor that you have done this and he will understand your situation and accept the failure. Next day He did confront the supervisor, and he said okay, don't worry, be careful next time which makes him relax.
Rachelle's Feedback
This example shows that you have great integrity on the job. Well done!
"I was asked to lie by my coworker. He was rushing to finish the job, and in the process, one chassis fell from the cart which caused a dent. He asked me not to tell anyone that it was him. I encouraged him to tell our supervisor, reassuring him that mistakes happen and it's best, to be honest. The next day he told our supervisor, who said it was okay but to be more careful in the future. This outcome helped my co-worker to relax and see that honesty is the best policy."
Anonymous Answer
I'm well-known in the workplace for having a strong moral character, which is probably why I've never been asked to lie by a superior. If asked to lie? Well, I wouldn't compromise my character.
Marcie's Feedback
Great. The interviewer will appreciate that you are honest and moral. Since you haven't experienced this before, walk the interviewer through a hypothetical example of how you would handle this type of situation.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, unfortunately. A wrongful dismissal complaint was filed against a company that I worked for. My manager asked me to lie about the events, so we would have a better chance of winning. I respectfully refused to lie about the events as it went against my morals and was wrong to do.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a good example to use and demonstrates that you do the right thing even when it's difficult!
Anonymous Answer
In my previous position, I was asked to lie by a fellow colleague about a situation. I politely declined and encouraged them to tell the truth. When my manager asked me I proceeded to tell him the truth. I think honesty is very important especially when it comes to safety concerns.
Marcie's Feedback
It's great that you're an honest person. Can you provide more details here to make your example more impactful? Right now it's somewhat vague. What were you asked to lie about? How did informing your manager help the situation?
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