Have you ever worked for someone who never shared information? Well, I have!
Early in my career, I worked for a leader who treated information as a commodity. He would trade information to gain favor with others.
In order to manage his subordinates, he would use information to pit us against each other. One day, I decided to ask him why didn’t he share more information? He looked me in the eye and explained his goal was to teach us how to work together as a team.
I am sure he recognized the puzzled look on my face; because he went on to explain how leaders make decisions every day based on limited information. The most effective leaders, he said, find the information needed to make the best decisions. He also explained information is power and if you control the information then you have the power.
As I drove home, I thought about our conversation. I found myself conflicted by my leader’s leadership philosophy. I agreed leaders must make decision everyday based on limited information. I also understood how important is to build an information network.
[callout]Transparency is key to managing stakeholders’ expectations.[/callout]
However, I disagreed with using information as a commodity. Why? Because transparency is a pillar of effective leadership. Transparency builds trust! Research has shown employees desire their leaders to be transparent and truthful.
So why do some leaders resist being transparent in their communications? According to Glenn Llopis “the reason most leaders are not transparent is because they believe they will be viewed as less authoritative; that the credentials they worked so hard to attain will lose their power, leverage and gravitas.” To boost your organization’s performance, leaders must be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Why should you embrace transparency in your communications? Here are seven reasons why embracing transparency will help you achieve your goals as a leader:
- Establishes your credibility
- Build authentic relationships
- People will trust you more easily
- Build your teams faster and easier
- Surface and address problems sooner
- Improve decision-making
- Increase organizational performance
Mother Teresa said, “Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.”
To achieve your goals as a leader, you must manage stakeholders’ expectation. Transparency is a pillar of effective leadership and communications.
[shareable cite=”Dr. Kim Moore”]Transparency is not easy but its important to effective leadership.”[/shareable]
Are you embracing leadership transparency?
Your friend,
Kim
Dr. Kim Moore, guiding YOU to lead with confidence!
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