As a kid we had compulsory family dinner time. Dinner always ended in time for the 7 o’clock radio news. Before the news there was a brief segment called “Think On These Things.” I think it was meant to boost our moral fiber.

Decades later social scientists showed that allowing a person some time to reflect before responding or acting is likely to make him more honest.

Early in my career I was taught to never, ever surprise the boss. Yet, it seems that bosses like springing surprises on subordinates.

Dear Boss, if you want the truth, be patient. Give your subordinates time to prepare for a performance review, a project debriefing, a disciplinary hearing, or whatever. No, not to allow them time to prepare their defense.

You are giving them time to reflect, to think on these things, so they can have the moral fiber to stay true.

Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.