Being honest Quote by David Maister
“A true professional feels no pressure to run up a client's bill, knowing that any reduction in revenues caused by being efficient will be more than recompensed by the reputation earned for being honest and trustworthy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Trusted Advisor, 2000
Professional integrity means prioritizing client trust over short‑term profit, trusting reputation will bring long‑term gains.
In simple terms: Honesty outweighs immediate earnings.
Key Takeaway
Focus on trust, not billable hours.
Themes
integrity
trust
reputation
business ethics
Mood
reflective
professional
thoughtful
Type
advice
ethical
business
When to use this quote
- consulting
- law practice
- financial advising
- freelance work
Key Concepts
client relationships
long‑term strategy
ethical pricing
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure trust versus revenue?
- What safeguards ensure honesty in billing?
A Different Perspective
Reputation builds slowly and can be damaged by any perceived short‑term gain.
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