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About this quote

What does it mean?
Complete honesty is not always practical in business dealings. Some level of concealment is often required to get things done.
In plain terms
You cannot conduct business without hiding some things sometimes.
What can you take from it?
Diplomacy sometimes requires withholding full truth.

Where it applies

  • business negotiations
  • conflict resolution
  • sales

Putting it to work

  • practice diplomatic silence
  • focus on goals not tactics
  • build trust gradually

Questions to consider

  • Is business always fully honest?
  • When is hiding the truth justified?

Another view

Relying on dissimulation can damage long-term trust if discovered.

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