Today’s leader is one who is authentic and transparent in both words and actions. Organizations function better in an ethical and open environment due to greater trust, better work relationships, higher morale and increased engagement. It is up to the leader to promote authenticity & transparency with all your employees.
- Announce all changes and proposed actions in a timely manner. Do not keep secrets. Your employees are the backbone of your business and deserve to know about all essential developments.
- Set up judgement free sessions in which you promote candid conversations with and between employees. Use conflict resolution skills such as active listening, empathy development and emotion management to promote authentic speech. Do not give up if employees are hesitant to speak up in beginning sessions. Everyone will become more comfortable after awhile.
- Check in often with your workers to find out what concerns they have. If you suspect they are reluctant to tell you face-to-face, allow them to write their comments and
submit them anonymously. - Be honest in your conversations and open about your actions. Your employees will respect you and imitate your behavior.
- Avoid all appearances of secret keeping. Leave your office door open as much as possible, always be open to talking with everyone and avoid negative body language such as crossing your arms or turning your body away from your audience.
- Don’t just tell employees about your decisions. Go a step further and tell them why you chose a particular path. This type of revelation reassures staff that you trust them and they can trust you.
- Increase the physical openness of the environment. Institute open work spaces where everyone operates in view of everyone else. This not only promotes transparency, it encourages more teamwork and fosters better communication.
It is not too late to change the culture of your company. Start with the aforementioned tips to bring more openness and, therefore, more success to the business you manage.
