If I’ve told you once I’ve told you a hundred million times… stop exaggerating!
We all do it.
A little exaggeration to enhance a story is acceptable.
Isn’t it?
Then you get the pro exaggerators. You know the ones…
If you’ve been to Tenerife they’ve been to Elevenerife.
Why do we exaggerate?
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Because it’s not like lying. It’s ‘enhancing’ so your moral compass is comfortable.
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Sense of worth. We can feel more important, or worthy when we exaggerate.
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To gain something. Who hasn’t overstated their ability in a job interview?
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To fit in. We like to belong. If being part of the tribe means we must embellish a little, so be it.
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And the big one… Ego. Yep, that pesky projector of self-worth and identity.
I teach many organisations how to improve their customer service. A five-star hotel we worked with received a one-star Trip Advisor review (very rare for them). It was titled ‘I nearly died!’.
They, the reviewer, had a problem with a hair dryer. Not a dodgy hairdryer, just one that wouldn’t switch on.
Yet the idea of writing a one-star review titled ‘Hairdryer wouldn’t switch on’ wouldn’t have crossed their mind. Ego?
The good news is the flip side is also true. If you provide brilliant service, you could receive exaggerated positive reviews. ‘Greatest day of my life!’, ‘The best service ever’.
You’d take that embellishment!
I’d love to know your thoughts on exaggeration. What we do it. Why do we do it? What it gives us.
Please join the discussion and leave a comment below.
Be Brilliant!
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