Searching for the Truth - An Investigative Technique

Often senior staff, managers and supervisors will need to conduct investigations on behalf of the company. The reasons for an investigation could range from very simple to very serious.

One thing they will often have in common is the need to clarify confusing statements. Occasionally it will be necessary to figure out if a worker is telling the truth. It is important to accomplish these goals while being respectful and avoiding accusations.

Used properly, the following technique can effectively accomplish all these goals.

You simply take two pieces of information from a worker’s statement that don’t make sense, put them together and ask the worker how they fit together.

Supervisor - On one hand you said you saw that accident, but from where you said you were standing, plastic sheeting blocked your view - how do you put those two together?

Worker - I could see it because there was a rip in the sheeting where I was standing.

The supervisor has accomplished his goal and now understands why the worker could see the accident.

Sometimes a supervisor suspects a worker of lying but must be careful not to accuse the worker.

Supervisor - I noticed that you called in sick last week… I overheard you say to Jim at lunch that you’ve been training for a marathon - how do you put those together?

Worker - Doesn’t answer and stays silent.

The supervisor now has reason to believe the worker wasn’t being honest with him but has done it in a way that puts the responsibility on the worker and has avoided calling the worker a liar.

Often a worker is not lying but the information is confusing. If the worker is being truthful, they will easily give you an explanation that makes sense. If, however, they are silent, angry or aren’t able to give you a sensible explanation, it’s likely that they are not being honest with you.

This is a great way to find the truth while being respectful to the worker and avoiding accusations.

If you have questions, need training or literature, please contact Julian directly:

Direct Line: 905-866-7301
E-Mail: juliantoy@myaddictionexperts.com
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