The infamous “Fake it til you make it” mindset might be the reason our workforce doesn’t seem to be accountable anymore. Although everyone has had to exaggerate their skillset on occasion, this mindset has now gotten us into muddy waters on who can actually do the job rather than who says they can do the job.

“Fake it til you make it” mentality is actually costing more money by having to outsource, having to hire extra people and by wasting valuable time in the process. Instead of initially knowing the skills or employees gaining the skills to do a task or project, much of the task lists are being outsourced and/or more employees are having to be hired. This goes against the lean way of doing business. Accountability is free and is proven to ensure the job is being done. Or as I said in my last post, these “fakers” are passing the buck or throwing people under the bus which is wasting valuable time. All that time could be saved by actually knowing how to do the job or getting the correct training to get the job done.

It has been said that the “Fake it til you make it” thought process is a way to build confidence. OK, I’ll give you that. This ends at building confidence in yourself. You is kind, you is smart, you is important … but know how to do your job. In knowing how to do the job, people have taken this “fake it” process to a whole new level.

What about practice makes perfect? Working hard to get the experience hence gaining the confidence to succeed. I guess my point is this: don’t fake it, just do the work to build the confidence. You can’t build something out of nothing, and fake is nothing. Being real is better, being accountable is best.

Learn the skills. Find the right people to do the job. Hold them accountable for the job they are supposed to do. If you don’t know how to do it, admit it, and get some training. Don’t fake it. You’ll be better in the long run as will your integrity.