MockQuestions

Academic Dean Mock Interview

Question 34 of 35 for our Academic Dean Mock Interview

Academic Dean was updated by on June 14th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 34 of 35

Do you think honesty is always the best policy?

"I do feel that honesty is the best policy so long as the honest comment does not come with the intention of being hurtful. Of course, there may be situations where being completely honest could cause harm or hurt to someone. In those cases, it may be better to withhold some information. But in general, being truthful and transparent is the best way to build trust and maintain strong relationships. It can be difficult to be honest, especially if the truth is not what the other person wants to hear, but in the long run, it is always better to be upfront and honest rather than hide the truth."

Next Question

How to Answer: Do you think honesty is always the best policy?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Academic Dean job interview.

  • 34. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      The interviewer asks if you think honesty is always the best policy to understand your moral compass and how you make decisions in difficult situations. They may also be trying to gauge your level of integrity and whether or not you can be trusted to act with transparency in a professional environment. Additionally, they want to see how you approach difficult situations where the truth may not be easy or comfortable to share. It's essential to be truthful in your response and considerate of the context in which the question is being asked. Ultimately, being honest and transparent can build trust and credibility, but it's important to do so in a discreet and respectful manner.

      Written by Krista Wenz on June 13th, 2023

      Entry Level Example

      "I do feel that honesty is the best policy so long as the honest comment does not come with the intention of being hurtful. Of course, there may be situations where being completely honest could cause harm or hurt to someone. In those cases, it may be better to withhold some information. But in general, being truthful and transparent is the best way to build trust and maintain strong relationships. It can be difficult to be honest, especially if the truth is not what the other person wants to hear, but in the long run, it is always better to be upfront and honest rather than hide the truth."

      Written by Krista Wenz on June 13th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "Sometimes full disclosure can damage someone's self-esteem, and reality isn't always best expressed in full and can be self-indulgent based on the person's intention. In those instances, honesty isn't always the best policy. However, when approached correctly, you can remain honest while protecting the individual's feelings and self-esteem."

      Written by Krista Wenz on June 13th, 2023

      Experienced Example

      "Honesty is always the best policy. Often, it is just a matter of how you communicate and deliver your message, so managing this with each situation is critical to building honest and trustworthy relationships. While there may be situations where it is difficult to be completely honest, in the long run, being truthful and transparent can build trust and respect in relationships. Of course, there may be exceptions where honesty could cause harm, such as when disclosing sensitive information or in situations that require tact and diplomacy. Overall, I think it's important to strive for honesty and integrity in our interactions with others."

      Written by Krista Wenz on June 13th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Honesty is always the best policy. Being honest but cautious of the messages being sent will supplement trustworthiness among colleagues and students."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      You are absolutely right! The interviewer should appreciate that you also mention delivering honesty to build relationships vs breaking them down.
      Show More Answers