Honesty is the best policy
In my career, I have always used this philosophy and it has taken me far. People respect a simple, "I do not know the answer, but I will research and get back with you." This comment demonstrates integrity and the individual question is important enough to warrant research. I have found that people appreciate this and are willing to wait for you to get back with them with the correct information.
It's always better to say, I don't know but I can find out for you.
I am a fairly new Dental instructor and there has been a few times where I honestly don't know the answer about some materials used but I always say I am not sure, but I will find out for you.
Is it ok to give an estimate or range in placement/wage?
I have found that students both percieve and appreciate it when you are completely up-front with them. Developing relationships based on trust with students is something that they will take with them after they graduate. Satisfied students are the best form of advertising!
Being honest with students allows them to be more successful. If a student can trust the first person they meet at their school I believe they will be more likely to ask for help.
I am strong in this belief. As an institution you never want to mislead a prospective student or a student. It can really ruin the school's reputation quickly
I agree. I had a very wise professor who, whenever he asked the class a questions, always made the statement, I have the right to say "I don't know". He then followed up by telling us that he will find the correct answer for us. That has always stuck with me. Saying I don't know, doesn't leave a person powerless, rather it often times connects you more with your listeners, as they relax that the person they're talking to doesn't know it all. On the flip side, making up an answer, and the prospective student finding out later that they were misinformed is wrong. Honesty is best.
I too have found, prospective students appreciate the extra program detail and honesty answers/advice during the initial conversations. The reality is, the decision for the student to attend a particular institution needs to be an excellent fit for both the student and the institution. Taking the extra time during the exploratory phase with the student ensures that they have all of the information they need to base their decision.
I agree that potential students appreciate one being thorough when they have questions about the school. Honest is sometimes a difficult policy when there are managers that don't appreciate that their employees don't cut corners and make THEIR jobs easier.
yes making sure you are do or do not know the answer and letting one know that only keeps the trust between you and the other person and that trust goes a long way to make everyone suceed.
We are to partner with the student and build a relationship with them. Relationships are built on trust and it goes both ways.
Word if mouth is the biggest form of advertisement so if a student feels like you are dishonest they will tell others not to attend your school
I agree completely I have done this alot with my students
Students will respect you more when you tell them you do not have the answer but will find out and get back to them.
Most student will talk to a friend or family member and if they have been lied to they will almost always tell someone about their experience.
I agree completely I think that is how schools get a bad reputation and people feel like they are a number instead of a student.
I agree with you, in my experience it is always better to say I don't know and re search the correct answer. That way you know that you won't have any room to be non-compliant.
I completely agree that "Honesty is the best policy" as it relates to building strong relationships with perspective students. It is better to give correct information as oppposed to false information. By giving the correct information, it solidifies the integrity of the school.
I totally agree if you have a bad rep for a area who has lied and told students false info it hurts the school, the student and everyones future! Best to wait and ask questions then tell a bogus answer
It's always better to be honest if you don't know the answer. We can't all be experts on every subject. The most important thing is that you get back with the correct information.
