Transparency and its importance to the True Leader

Transparency is a relatively new buzz word being used to evoke the belief that a statement being made is true as well as its associated motives. The dictionary defines transparency as "capable of being seen through"; in a business sense transparency can be defined as being without guile or concealment, open, frank and candid - in other words not just shrink wrapped!

In order to create a transparent organisation leaders at the top must believe in and support a culture of candour buy not demonstrating dishonesty and discrimination in any part of the daily processes and functions of the organisation. These are the Leaders who tell the truth, admit mistakes and respectfully listen to others and in doing so set the tone for the entire organisation! Leaders who do not just have an 'open door policy', but actively encourage candid feedback from all employees and clients. An organisation which is open and honest about its dealings, that does not support a culture of secrecy and instead allows all of its employees to speak up!

The Leader takes the active role of 'fixing' the areas of the business that need 'fixing.' How many times do you hear a company saying "yes, we have an open door policy!", only to find that the so called 'open door' policy is reserved for the Management Team who will only inform their Leader of what they want to hear?

Managers and executives are sadly often only recruited for their ability to be able to work with and compete with their peers in the management suite rather than demonstrate and encourage teamwork. Often these individuals are fearful of displaying true candour, preferring to fiercely protect their own interests! A great example for a Leader evoking a culture of candour would be to ask his employees "so tell me the company joke". More often than not the Leadership team are not aware of this and its reality, and this could be the very bottom line of an organisation's issues summed up in a small sentence!

In the age of the Blogosphere data is now so readily and easily available to all. Many people fail to remember though that once a piece of information is displayed out there in the Blogosphere, it remains there forever. So the need for organisational transparency is greater than ever! The Generation Y are using Facebook on a daily basis without a second thought even though this is one of the most transparent social networking tools. Real names and photos are used and members talk to each other as 'real' friends about 'real' experiences! They are growing up on a daily basis with transparency all around them and will continue to demand the same level of transparency when they begin their professional careers.

Anyone can blog about anything at anytime, about an experience good or bad. Being transparent, honest and 'true to your word' will significantly reduce any adverse and damaging public comment and of course if you are 'true to your word' why would anyone wish to make you the victim of such adverse publicity anyway?

A truly transparent Leader is one to be seen to encourage all and lead by example, in management speak they 'walk their talk'! The very virtue that an organisation is transparent will make for the most dynamic working environment where honesty, trust and empowerment reign supreme!

Simon Hill - Different Dynamics Leadership Coach and Trainer