At All Things Open, a conference about new open-source technologies and pertinent topics held annually in Raleigh, North Carolina, Syncfusion’s VP of Business Development Marissa Keller Outten attended the session “From Closed Doors to Open Communication: A Journey to Transparency,” presented by Addie Girouard of Third Man Agency. Here are some of Outten’s takeaways:
Transparency is a vital ingredient for success in any organization. A striking example comes from an airplane manufacturer that promised enhanced stability and a reduced environmental impact with its new aircraft. However, a lack of transparency internally and externally led to two fatal crashes, resulting in significant repercussions for the company.
The importance of transparency
When information is not shared openly, trust in a company erodes, innovation stalls, and turnover rates can skyrocket.
Here are four symptoms of a lack of transparency in an organization:
- Information silos: Difficulty in accessing needed information often points to ineffective communication. Think about Conway’s Law: your organization’s communication structure is indicative of its systems.
- Lack of trust: Open communication fosters trust. If your environment is filled with yes-people, a deeper issue may be present. Encouraging honest feedback can help break this cycle.
- Reduced innovation: Innovation thrives on diverse thoughts. If you’re rushing through decisions, you might be stifling creativity. Make space for divergent thinking. It’s OK to take a moment to pause to consider big decisions.
- High turnover: Organizations with low transparency experience 2.8 times more turnover. If you’re losing your best talent, it’s time to reassess how you communicate.
How to build transparency
Building a culture of transparency starts with leadership and effective communication. Here are some things to consider:
- Embrace vulnerability: Leaders should model vulnerability to foster trust within their teams.
- Audit communication channels: Simplify your communication tools. If your team is using too many platforms, clarity can suffer. It takes multiple exposures for a message to truly resonate.
- Build champions: Encourage advocates for transparency throughout the organization. These champions can help promote and maintain open communication.
- Celebrate progress: Recognize and share lessons learned, even when things don’t go as planned. This approach builds a culture of continuous improvement.
- Leverage collaboration tools: Consider methodologies to strengthen collaborative efforts and enhance productivity.
Overcoming barriers to transparency
One of the biggest hurdles to creating a culture of transparency is the lack of executive sponsorship. When initiatives lack clear backing from leadership, they often fail. Ensure that executive-level leaders understand the value of transparency so that they can empower their teams to drive it forward.
The benefits of transparency
Organizations that prioritize transparency can see remarkable benefits:
- Attracting talent: Many job seekers seek transparent organizations that give you access to great talent.
- Driving innovation: Transparency can lead to greater innovation by employees and managers.
- Increased revenue: Transparency begets innovation, which can lead to higher revenue. Companies that invest in transparency can experience an increase in revenue.
Conclusion: From me to we
In closing, the power of transparency cannot be overstated. It drives collective success and fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. When organizations shift the corporate conversations from “me” to “we,” they create an environment ripe for innovation and growth.
