Greetings!

How Transparent Are You?

The idea of transparency has been on my mind a lot lately. The concept is actually pretty simple to understand but exceptionally hard for some to apply in their personal and professional lives. Simply put, transparency is the extent to which you are candid and expect - even demand it - of others.

The tolerance you have for receiving information that may not be pleasant or easy to hear determines your commitment to candor and transparency. To what extent can you tolerate feedback that is unpleasant; or opinions that are contrary to yours? If you are a leader in a company, do you demand that you hear all the information - good and bad? As a parent, do you require your kids to give you the good and bad news without fear of punishment or reprisal; even if that bad news is about your parenting behavior?

Creating a culture of candor is necessary for you and I to live authentic lives. For most, it is not a reality. Entire books have been written about companies (i.e. Enron) that punished candor. The federal government demonized and fired those that disagreed with the intelligence about WMD's in Iraq. Families often refuse to be candid, preferring instead to say whatever will keep the peace. Obviously there are some things that need not be spoken for a variety of reasons, but I want to encourage you to commit to transparency in your life at home and at work.

Here's how:

1. Establish a clear expectation that you expect candor from everyone around you.
2. This candor should be delivered in useful and constructive ways. Candor is not brutality.
3. Further establish that bad news or contrary opinions will not be punished or ridiculed but will be celebrated.
4. Reinforce, in as many ways as possible, a culture of transparency.
5. Tell stories about and create positive examples of transparency and candor in action.
6. Be courageous!

Mike

Mike Staver
Professional Speaker & Coach