May 17, 2024

The Duper's Delight Video

by Our content team

Hey you. Yeah you. You wouldn't happen to have seen a duper 'round here by any chance would ya?

"What's a duper?" I hear ya ask. Well, that's a tricky thing. Ya see, they could be anyone. Him, her, that guy over there... they could even be you.

A duper is someone who likes to lie.

And sure, little lies may not be so bad from time to time. I mean, let's face it, we all do it. But there's a difference between a duper and someone who's just told some little white lies.

Most people who lie, they'll feel regret, they may even come clean in the end. But a duper... they don't feel regret. They get a kick out of their lies, leading them to do it again, and again, and again.

In fact, that kick they feel, it's even got a name: the Duper's Delight.

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For some, lying becomes addictive. Small lies lead to bigger lies and, before you know it, you can't tell what's real and what's not, what's right and what's wrong.

And, if the story gets out that you cheated, well say goodbye to your reputation, your friends... even your career.

So, how do you detect a duper?

Well, let's look at some tell-tale signs, that someone could be lying to ya.

Their voice might get higher.

Duper: "I don't know what you mean."

Or they might switch the conversation to a different subject.

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Duper: "Yeah, yeah... nice weather we've been having recently..."

They could use phrases like...

Duper: "It's the truth. Honestly."

They may hesitate and get tongue-tied. Or give long-winded answers that lead nowhere.

Duper: "I... um... I... well, sure, I'm working on that project. It's gonna be great. We've got lots of big plans, it's gonna make big bucks... you'll see."

Perhaps, they'll give you some elaborate, crazy story to cover up their lie.

Duper: "Ya see, I was trying to get to work on time, but then my neighbor, well, she needed some help. She's this little old lady, got a pet dog. The dog, he's old too. I had to take him to the vet and… and she needed to go to the doc's too..."

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Then, when you question them, they go on the offensive, and try and make you feel guilty for doubting them.

Duper: "I don't like your tone, Jim. I don't like it at all! And I'm not gonna stand for it, ya hear!"

Watch their body language, too. A duper will usually avoid eye contact or swallow more frequently.

They might make sudden head movements or angry gestures.

Finding a duper ain't enough though, you gotta make it hard for dupers to exist in the first place.

Do this by creating an environment built on trust, not lies!

Don't push people too hard. When you make unreasonable demands, people may feel tempted to cheat or cut corners to meet them. Instead, encourage collaboration.

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Always lead by example. Be the picture of honesty, fairness and truthfulness. And demonstrate what living by those values can get you! Success and reward!

Finally, if you think you've found a duper, gather your evidence and... challenge them – calmly, sensitively and in private.

If their behavior still doesn't stop, you may need to escalate matters with a harsher warning or even disciplinary action. But always talk to HR before taking these final steps.

Well, it's been fun talking to ya, but I gotta skedaddle. Them duper's don't catch themselves ya know.

Oh, just one more thing... remember to always beware the duper's delight!

Reflective questions:

After watching the video, you may like to reflect on what you've learned by answering the following questions:

  • How do you feel after you've told a lie?
  • Is your work culture supportive enough? Or does it encourage employees to cut corners and cheat or lie?
  • What can you do to be a good role model for your team members and encourage honesty?
  • If you were to catch a duper in the act of lying, how would you challenge them?

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