Undoubtedly, deception is wrong. This is known to both adults and children, janitors and presidents. Yet everyone around lies—some more often, some less, some to harm, others even for good. If lying is an inherent human trait, one should learn to do it skillfully and convincingly; otherwise, such tricks will lead to nothing good.
Perhaps the primary targets people most often try to fool are managers at various levels. However, not all leaders are so naive as to unquestioningly believe every word their subordinates say. Therefore, anyone wishing to make their boss accept an outright lie as truth must master several psychological tricks that will help them become an elusive deceiver and achieve desired career outcomes through innocent falsehoods.
Thus, to deceive your boss, you must carefully monitor the involuntary signals sent by your own body. If your entire demeanor does not radiate unwavering confidence in what you’ve just said, you’re unlikely to convince your boss of the truthfulness of your fabricated story. Therefore, remember the first rule: when telling lies to someone, stand or sit with a straight back. Avoid crossing limbs or covering your body with your arms or legs. In such a case, your boss will immediately understand that you’re trying to hide something or are being insincere.
Before heading to your boss, lean back in your chair, put your feet up on the desk, and cross your hands behind your head. If adopting this so-called “power pose” right now isn’t possible, simply stand up straight, place your feet wider apart, and hold this position for ten seconds. According to researchers, such actions trigger a surge of testosterone—the hormone of dominance and strength. At the same time, levels of the stress hormone cortisol decrease, bringing cool self-assurance, with which you’ll easily deceive your boss without much effort.
Remember that lies must be told while looking your interlocutor directly in the eyes. It can be said that a steady, unbroken gaze constitutes a major part of your success in this endeavor. According to psychologists, to gain necessary trust, eye contact between conversation partners should be maintained for at least 50–60 percent of the total conversation time. Avoiding direct gaze, or instead studying the room’s interior or the socks peeking from your shoes, will inevitably alert your boss and make him interpret your unwillingness to make eye contact as an attempt to deceive.
Maintaining direct eye contact with someone who is evaluating you can be an overwhelming task for many. However, there’s a simple way to learn how to steadily “hold” your interlocutor’s gaze: on the street, look closely at the faces of passersby and try to remember the eye color of each one. Eventually, sustained eye contact will cease to cause discomfort. Practice, but don’t overdo it.
Try to speak your lies in a low voice, because when a person is nervous, their vocal pitch usually rises. This trait is especially common among women. Therefore, consciously lower your tone and keep it steady, especially at the end of sentences. Avoid speaking too quietly, as your boss might assume you’re uncertain about the words you’re saying.
Becoming an actor is essential for a masterful liar. When deceiving your boss, recall and mentally recreate situations in which you appeared highly energetic and confident. Focus on all your positive emotions and project them into reality, directly toward your interlocutor. There’s a high probability your boss will fall for your sincerity and openness. However, don’t abuse the art of lying, as the more falsehoods you utter, the greater the chance you’ll eventually get caught. Deceive only when absolutely necessary.
