The Webster Dictionary defines a FACT as “the quality of being actual; something that has actual existence; a piece of information presented as having objective reality; something that hinges on evidence”. So when you say “in fact”, what you are hopefully saying is “in truth” because there is actual verifiable evidence to support what you say.

Recently, however, our public discourse has seen the emergence of an interesting new phrase, “alternative facts”. So let’s be clear. On any topic, there are always a variety of legitimate, evidence-based facts from which we may each choose to support our position or argument. That is quite different from make-believe, non evidence-based false representations of reality. 

Many politicians, for example, engage in a misleading representation of the facts meant to sway voters and win elections.  And who among us have not stretched the truth from time to time to further a specific aim.  But these prevarications are not alternative facts. They are simply lies, and exaggerations, intended to obscure facts potentially damaging to our cause.

The rub comes when we are talking about individuals in positions of authority: office holders, executives, managers, parents, teachers, physicians, lawyers, clergy, public servants, etc.  The lives and wellbeing of the rest of us depend on authority figures to tell us the truth when we seek their input, no matter how unpalatable that truth.  And unless in dispute or legitimate doubt, there is but one set of facts.  In these cases, proffering made-up facts more to someone’s liking becomes downright dangerous, unethical, and immoral.

We are all free to believe in what we choose.  We are not, however, psychologically or emotionally equipped to be constantly confused about what is fake and what is real.  A state of existence where we are routinely uncertain about what is fact or fiction is profoundly disorienting, emotionally traumatic, and dangerous. 

Whomever owns the publishing rights to George Orwell’s dystopian classic “1984” that introduced the world to the concept of “newspeak” has to be delighted by its new-found popularity. Those unfamiliar with Orwell’s masterpiece, might benefit from its reading and its warning about the dangers of entertaining an insidious fictional world.. 

UPDATED: August 2026

Categories: Communicating Effectively, Managing & Leading, Self-Management

Tags: accountability, advice for managers, advice for managers from managers, best managers, communicating, effective management and leadership, effective managers and leaders, line management, management accountability, management advice, Managing & Leading, Self-Management