Transparency
Some would say that it is a rare thing to find one who stays true to his or her word. With the fast-paced competitive environment that we live in, it appears that keeping your word may be becoming less important to those who lead. While this may be true, I recently experienced something very different.
We have the opportunity to work with a group of executives who lead a division of a large multi-million dollar corporation. With the pressures and constant change in their company, they could have made multiple excuses about not hitting deadlines that are necessary for execution of work. Instead, they communicated to us regularly, they gave us their word that they were working through the process. They were authentic, transparent and honest. Each leader worked to create a partnership with us by keeping us in the loop with consistent meetings and communication.
These leaders are not perfect, and their organization has many things to work on to become a more healthy company. Isn't that true of most of us? These leaders chose to walk with integrity and honesty through a jungle of unpredictability and at times poor leadership from those above them in the organization. Their circumstances did not control their character.
Thank you, my friends, for your leadership and choosing to push this thing through to the finish line with integrity. Choose to be a leader who keeps his or her word and you will make a difference.
Dr. Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Transparency is about being open—with your words, your actions, and your intentions. It’s about making sure people know where you stand, what you’re thinking, and why certain decisions are being made. For leaders, transparency isn’t just a skill. It’s a way to build real trust with the people you work with every day.
When you're transparent, your team doesn’t have to guess. They understand the direction, the priorities, and the reasons behind the choices being made. That kind of clarity makes a difference. It keeps people aligned, reduces confusion, and helps everyone move forward together.
Leaders who practice transparency are willing to share important updates, explain the “why” behind the strategy, and speak honestly about challenges. When something doesn’t go as planned, they’re not afraid to acknowledge it. They focus on what can be learned and how to move forward stronger. That honesty sends a powerful message: we’re in this together, and we grow through every experience.
Being transparent builds trust. And trust builds commitment. When people know their leaders are genuine, they feel more secure, more engaged, and more connected to the work. It also sets the tone for accountability. If you lead with openness, your team is more likely to do the same.
Transparency and Operational Discipline
At 3M Chem Ops, how we lead is how we perform. That’s why we ground everything in a mindset called Operational Discipline. It means doing the right thing, the right way, every time. It’s about being consistent, staying organized, and following through on what we say we will do. At the heart of that discipline is transparency.
When leaders communicate openly, teams gain clarity. People know what’s expected, why it matters, and how their work contributes to something bigger. That kind of understanding keeps everyone aligned and focused. It also builds trust, which strengthens commitment and teamwork across shifts and sites.
Transparency helps problems surface early so they can be solved quickly. It turns meetings into meaningful conversations. It invites accountability without forcing it.
For example, a transparent leader might regularly share updates on progress and roadblocks during team meetings. This keeps everyone in the loop and creates space for input and adjustment. People are more likely to speak up, offer solutions, or course-correct as a team. That shared clarity leads to stronger execution and fewer surprises down the line.
Transparency and Operational Discipline work together to create a strong foundation. They help teams perform at their best—supported by open communication, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to success.
“The single most important ingredient in the recipe for success is transparency, because transparency builds trust.”
This first module of The 3M Chem Ops Way will help you lead with more clarity and connection. You’ll see how transparency supports Operational Discipline and explore practical ways to build trust, strengthen alignment, and create momentum.
Because when leaders lead with clarity, teams move with confidence. And at 3M Chem Ops, that’s what we call making the most of every moment, every mission, and every member of the team. Let’s get started!