Do’s and Don’ts of Transparent Communication

Does demonstrating transparency mean that we need to confess every movement and detail? Of course not. It does, however, require that we are truthful and open about what occurred and how it occurred, what the options are, and what the potential outcomes may be.

Here are few do’s and don’ts to assist you with communicating in a transparent manner.

Do explain the progression that led to the current situation. Often clients and colleagues want to know how, and, more importantly, why something happened. It is important to be honest without giving the impression that you are pointing fingers or placing blame elsewhere.

Don’t over-communicate. In today’s information saturated society, it helps to be succinct about our message. Take a few moments before communicating to consider what information is truly important for the receiving party.

Do provide information relevant to decision making. Rather than just listing the available choices, give a (brief) overview of the likely outcomes of each option.

It’s important to note that transparency only works as long as it is true. As soon as something occurs that is contrary to what was communicated, transparency is in doubt, and trust in you or your company is diminished. When we are open with our motives and actions, we foster openness in others and support our ability to work effectively together.