Session Four: Transparency
As a Supervisor, you should strive to be transparent, particularly when addressing sensitive topics or organizational changes. Trust is built upon a foundation of transparency and the willingness to be open with your employees.
“I think the currency of leadership is transparency. You’ve got to be truthful. I don’t think you should be vulnerable every day, but there are moments where you’ve got to share your soul and conscience with people and show them who you are, and not be afraid of it.”
Self-Assessment:
Transparency
Please take a few moments to contemplate the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for personal growth in your leadership approach?
1. Do I communicate openly about organizational decisions, changes, and challenges?
2. Are there areas within the organization where transparency could be improved, and what steps can I take to address these gaps?
3. Have there been situations where I unintentionally lacked transparency, and how can I prevent such occurrences in the future?
4. Do I ensure that relevant information is accessible to team members and stakeholders?
5. How do I demonstrate that transparency is a core value within our organization?
6. Have I integrated transparency into our organizational culture and practices?
7. Can I identify instances where transparency has positively influenced decision-making, teamwork, or trust within the organization?
8. Have I encountered resistance or challenges when striving for greater transparency? How did I handle these situations, and what did I learn from them?
Take your time and reflect upon these questions honestly. Going forward, use your responses as a tool to assess your level of transparency in communication.
For Supervisors, prioritizing transparency in your communications is vital, especially when dealing with delicate topics or company transitions. This kind of openness builds trust within teams and across the organization. And empowering people with information bolsters confidence in leadership decisions and organizational direction. Practicing transparency not only cultivates a culture of trust, but it also encourages accountability, which ultimately strengthens the relationship between yourself and your team members. Overall, effectively employing these key concepts as a Direction goes a long way towards establishing a positive and honest work culture.
Here are several leaders who have been celebrated for their commitment to transparency and openness. You may already have encountered some of them throughout your career.
Satya Nadella of Microsoft
Since taking over as CEO in 2014, Satya Nadella has been credited with transforming Microsoft's culture and business strategy. He fostered a more open, collaborative environment, moving away from internal competition towards a culture that emphasizes empathy, learning from failures, and working together. Under his leadership, Microsoft has become more transparent in its communication and more collaborative both internally and with its partners and customers.
Sid Sijbrandij of Gitlab
Under the leadership of Sid Sijbrandij, Gitlab has set an exemplary standard for transparency in the tech industry. Following a notable cyberattack in early 2017, instead of concealing their attempts at resolving the issue, Gitlab, under Sijbrandij's guidance, chose to livestream their repair efforts on YouTube. This decision was not just a one-time gesture, but an example of the company's deep-rooted culture of openness. Their practices, including making their team handbook publicly accessible and conducting team communications on public channels, underline a dedication to transparency in all aspects of their operations.
Mary Barra of General Motors
Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, has been noted for her transparent leadership style, particularly in her handling of the 2014 ignition switch recall crisis. She took an open and accountable approach, facing the public and the employees to address the issues head-on. Under her leadership, GM has emphasized transparency and open communication, both internally and in its dealings with customers and stakeholders.
These leaders exemplify how transparency and openness can not only drive successful outcomes for their organizations but also inspire positive change within their industries.
“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”
Without transparency, leaders are unable to create an organization where trust, collaboration, and accountability thrive. Here's why being transparent as a leader is so essential:
Builds Trust
Transparency is a key ingredient in building trust between leaders and their teams. When leaders are open about their decisions, the rationale behind those decisions, and the challenges the organization faces, it cultivates an environment where trust thrives. Trust, in turn, is essential for fostering a sense of security and loyalty among team members.
Encourages Open Communication
Transparent leadership encourages a two-way street of open communication. When leaders are candid, it signals to employees that their thoughts, concerns, and ideas are valued. This openness can lead to more innovative solutions to problems, as team members feel more comfortable sharing their insights and suggestions.
Enhances Team Engagement
Transparency can significantly enhance team engagement. When team members are kept in the loop about what is happening within the organization, they are more likely to feel connected to the mission and committed to the goals of the team. This sense of inclusion and understanding of how their work contributes to the larger picture can boost motivation and engagement.
“The single most important ingredient in the recipe for success is transparency because transparency builds trust.”
Promotes a Positive Culture
A transparent leadership approach contributes to the development of a positive organizational culture. It sets a standard for honesty and integrity that can permeate all levels of the organization. This cultural norm can lead to higher morale, reduced conflict, and a more cohesive team dynamic.
Facilitates Better Decision-Making
Transparency helps in making more informed decisions at all levels of the organization. When leaders share information openly, it enables team members to understand the broader context of their work. This understanding can lead to better decision-making and innovation, as individuals are able to see the bigger picture and understand how their contributions fit into it.
Improves Crisis Management
In times of crisis, transparency becomes even more critical. Leaders who communicate openly about the challenges being faced, the steps being taken to address them, and the potential impact on the team and organization are more likely to navigate through crises effectively. This openness helps in managing rumors, reducing anxiety among team members, and rallying the team around a common strategy for overcoming the challenges.
Attracts and Retains Talent
Transparency is an attractive trait for current and prospective employees. Talented individuals are more likely to join and stay with organizations where there is clear, open communication about the company's vision, goals, and challenges. This transparency helps employees feel valued and respected, which is crucial for retention and attracting new talent.
Remember :
Transparent leadership is not just a nice-to-have; it's a critical component of effective leadership. By building trust, encouraging open communication, enhancing engagement, promoting a positive culture, facilitating better decision-making, improving crisis management, and attracting talent, transparency sets the stage for a thriving, resilient, and successful organization.
There are several practices as a leader, you can adopt to guarantee openness, establish trust, and promote a positive organizational culture.
Here are some actionable steps you can take to enhance transparency as a Supervisor:
Communicate Clearly: Regularly share information about decisions, changes, and the organization's direction. Use clear, straightforward language and be open to questions and discussions.
Share Successes and Failures: Be open about what is working well and what isn't. Sharing both successes and failures demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn and improve.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment where team members feel safe to express their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regular meetings, open-door policies, and anonymous feedback channels can facilitate this.
Explain Decision-Making Processes: When making decisions, explain the rationale behind them, including the factors considered and the reasons for the final choice. This helps team members understand the context and feel involved.
Admit Mistakes: When mistakes are made, acknowledge them openly and take responsibility. Discuss what was learned and how similar issues will be avoided in the future.
Involve Team Members in Decision Making: Where appropriate, involve team members in the decision-making process. This can include brainstorming sessions, consultations, or democratic decision-making methods.
Provide Access to Information: Ensure that team members have easy access to the information they need to do their jobs effectively. This might involve shared databases, regular updates, or transparency in organizational performance metrics.
Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate the goals, roles, and expectations for each team member. This helps everyone understand their responsibilities and how they contribute to the organization's objectives.
Model Transparency: Lead by example by being open and authentic in your communications and actions. A leader's behavior sets the tone for the entire organization.
By following these best practices as a Supervisor, you can ensure transparency in your communications.
Reflection Question:
What are two areas from the above list that you struggle with currently? What can you do to improve your transparency in the future?
Elevate your understanding of Transparency by taking flight with the following resources. Use this opportunity to navigate, uncover, and expand the horizons of your leadership influence.
Trusted Leaders Practice Transparency in These 5 Ways
Scott Mautz
3 Strategies for Leading Through Difficult Times
Rasmus Hougard, Jacquleine Carter and Rob Stembridge
The Case for Transparency in The Workplace, and its Impact On Organizational Performance
Andrew Rahaman
