4 reasons why you should blow the whistle on yourself

To do the right thing  

This could be seen as a simple moral or values-based question. Even if there are no consequences to withholding the information, you should own up: it’s the right thing to do.  

To not allow another to steal your thunder  

If there’s any chance of someone else discovering your wrongdoing, it’s best to steal their thunder and own up first. This way, your misdeed is seen as less blameworthy and less morally questionable than if you don’t confess and try to get away with it.  

To build trust and integrity 

Because you are manifestly acting against your self-interest, you are viewed as being more trustworthy and having more integrity than if you didn’t confess.  

To leverage the ‘scarcity principle’  

Revealing your transgression relates to the scarcity principle: information that is scarce is seen as more valuable and more important than information that is openly available. Thus, when a transgressor withholds information, it is perceived as more valuable and important than if they openly reveal it. Hence, by revealing the otherwise inaccessible information of your transgression, you benefit from the scarcity principle effect.  

But remember to tell the whole story! 

Reporting your misdeed only brings value to you if you reveal the full story. If you only reveal select details or admit the transgression in vague terms, people will likely perceive you as not being fully transparent (or covering up a bigger misdeed) and you forgo the benefits of owning up in the first place.  

Key takeaway  

Always blow the whistle on yourself before someone else does – and don’t hold back on the details! 

Further reading 

‘You have to bring hearts and minds with you’ 

How the stories you tell can have a real impact 

Decision-making under pressure 

Equal care, equal share: Bridging the care gap in leadership 

Self-reflection for leaders in five steps