The 13 Behaviors: #3 Create Transparency 1/25/2018

The 13 Behaviors: #3 Create Transparency* You have heard the expression, information (or knowledge) is power; therefore, hording information can be a temptation to an immature leader. However, since information usually gets out anyway, the short term gain of withholding information then becomes a huge loss. Perhaps this is why so many companies today have gone from a "propriety" mindset to an "open-source" mindset. Sharing knowledge is both powerful and empowering because more can be accomplished with a team (community) than an assemblage of individuals. Of course, as with all of the 13 behaviors, there is a sweet spot in sharing information because there are times when not everything should always be in the open. Privacy and timing are just as important as openness; keeping some things in confidence, especially during a negotiation or to protect someone who is vulnerable, is always appropriate. Finally, another important thing to remember is that, like the other behaviors, there is a "counterfeit" to transparency. Those who try to create the "appearance" of transparency, while actually using information as a weapon, are particularly dangerous and untrustworthy, people. Like behavior #1Talk Straight and behavior #2Demonstrate Respect, Creating Transparency can create an atmosphere of trust very quickly and help build teams. Leaders should use this powerful tool thoughtfully.