In my world of holistic human transformation, leadership is built on congruence which is the alignment of head and heart. My answer is simple: In business, it’s never “acceptable” to lie. A lie is a debt against your integrity that eventually hurts.
Life can move like a rollercoaster but truth must remain as your anchor. If you compromise your word for a deal, you haven’t won. Instead, you’ve just traded your integrity and long-term influence for a cheap, short-term gain. Authentic leadership requires the courage to be transparent, especially when its uncomfortable. Keep to your word, always.