Build transparency in murky times

Trust is the invisible bond that ties together successful teams. It thrives on the twin pillars of clarity and context. Inspired by the wisdom of Brené Brown, who famously said "Clear is kind," we're expanding on this thought with "Context is queen." In this conversation, we'll explore the importance of these principles, tackle the challenges of incomplete transparency, and explore strategies for maintaining trust within your team, even when you can't reveal every detail.

Brené Brown's "Clear is kind" principle highlights the value of straightforward, transparent communication. It's about ensuring that the information you share is easily understood and devoid of ambiguity. It's akin to providing a well-drawn map to your team, helping them navigate the complexities of their work.

Adding "Context is queen" underscores the importance of providing a broader perspective to the information you share. It's about not just giving the map but also explaining the landscape, the destination, and why this journey matters. Context breathes life into data and helps your team see the bigger picture.

Navigating the Murkiness of Incomplete Transparency

Incomplete transparency can be a tricky terrain to navigate. When you can't disclose every detail, it often leads to speculation, rumors, and misunderstandings within your team. The key here is to be clear about what you can share and why certain information must remain confidential. This honesty about the limits of disclosure prevents mistrust and builds a culture of understanding.

In situations where the full truth isn't accessible, honesty becomes your beacon. If there are legitimate reasons for withholding information – like legal constraints or ongoing investigations – communicate this clearly. Your team will respect your candidness, and trust will continue to flourish.

While being clear about what you can and cannot share is crucial, providing context is the missing puzzle piece that helps your team see the bigger picture. Imagine you're giving your team a map, but without context, it's just lines and symbols. Context transforms those lines into paths, those symbols into landmarks, and reveals the purpose of the journey.

For instance, if you're unable to disclose specific financial details due to confidentiality agreements, providing context can involve explaining the broader financial health of the organization and how the decisions being made align with its long-term stability. This additional layer of information helps your team understand why certain information cannot be divulged and why it's in the best interest of the team and the organization.

Maintaining Team Confidence in Uncertain Scenarios

In your role as a messenger for corporate decisions or when facing uncertainties, remember that context is your ally. When conveying decisions from higher-ups, provide the context behind those decisions. Explain how they fit into the larger organizational strategy. Contextualizing corporate moves helps your team see the reasoning and not just the action.

Handling uncertainty is part and parcel of any professional journey. Instead of simply stating, "We don't know," offer reassurance with phrases like "We're actively seeking more information" or "We're working diligently to gain clarity." This communicates your commitment to keeping your team in the loop.

Promise to keep your team updated as new information surfaces, even if it takes time to gather. This pledge reinforces that you're dedicated to transparency and keeping everyone informed.

Context acts as a bridge between transparency and confidentiality. It shows your team that you're not withholding information arbitrarily but rather providing them with the essential context to make informed decisions and understand the limitations of disclosure. When you add context to the equation, it fosters a culture of trust and comprehension, even in situations of incomplete transparency.

Be a trustworthy leader

Trust isn't just a desirable attribute; it's the bedrock upon which high-performing teams are built. When full transparency isn't attainable, be crystal clear about what can be shared and honest about what can't. And always remember, even in the midst of uncertainty, promise to keep the updates flowing. Your team will not only appreciate your honesty but will flourish in an environment enriched with trust and understanding.

Rhiannon Woo is a highly experienced Quality Management professional known for her expertise in building quality-focused cultures and high-performing teams. With a deep understanding of the ag-tech, CPG, and cannabis consumables industries, Rhiannon has worked with numerous startups across the United States, providing leadership training and guidance to develop cultures of operational excellence. Her ability to clearly define and communicate expectations has helped entrepreneurs foster quality-driven mindsets within their organizations. Rhiannon's coaching services empower founders to develop clarity and confidence as they scale their businesses or seek funding, teaching them techniques to document and standardize practices while collecting meaningful data for continuous improvement.