I have grown to appreciate the value of full disclosure due to my strong accounting background. Have you walked with someone in a contractual relationship only to get towards the end and discover that there was this small detail that was not disclosed and yet, it was so important that it was a deal breaker for you?

Perhaps it could be some business person introduced to you, yet before you, he had failed to deliver many promises to other people. If he did not deliver to others, chances are he won’t deliver to you. This trend is so common that as a business person, you should learn to go beyond the obvious.

Before you make a commitment to anything, make sure you have done your due diligence. This way you will avoid disappointments. It is good to take time, don’t be in a rush to commit. Another important thing, which at times we ignore, is the power of the gut feeling. If you are feeling uncomfortable about something, don’t move forward until you sort those conflicts.

I have also learnt that if you share honestly with a close trusted confidant, they may be able to see something that you are not able to see. I remember one time I shared with my father about a certain concern. Out rightly, he told me that he did not like that particular person. Thank God I listened because if I had continued with the partnership, it would have been a total mess. Now I know. There are friends who will at times pass a casual comment like “That’s not a good person.” Not all of them will be right all the time but I have learnt to interrogate each and every comment.

This is very important because we live in a society where people only want to project their very best. It’s up to you to look for the other side.
Many at times, full disclosure of information or character is not released to you. I keep on wondering what the motive is, but then I got to face it, non-disclosure is an existing issue in the real world.

Even as you deal with institutions eg banks, insurance and so on,  look for the hidden clause. Ask a lawyer to look at any contract before you sign it. I can tell you, I have saved myself a lot of trouble by doing so.
Let us learn to protect ourselves, our families and our businesses. This is our responsibility. Remember, full disclosure is important in your decision making but you won’t find it easily. Invest in getting it however done. Over to you my great people.