Transparent Leader - Why?

The question we ask ourselves is what is a transparent leader? A transparent leader is a forward-focused person who prioritizes openness, honesty, and clear communication in their leadership style. Trust me, not everybody is comfortable with this type of leader.? I have learned that we must be aware of our audiences.? This type of leader is committed to creating an environment where information flows freely, and decisions are made with transparency. This requires open communications both ways.? It has made my peers uncomfortable at times.? If it is done respectfully, it makes executing ideas easier and less cumbersome.? Here are some key characteristics and practices of a transparent leader:

Clear Communication:

Communicate goals, expectations, and strategies clearly to all team members. Provides regular updates on the organization's progress, challenges, and achievements. Encourage an open dialogue and value feedback from team members. This might require lists to be created and maintained so progress can be continuously updated.

Visibility:

Needs to be visible and accessible to employees at all levels. Holds regular meetings to discuss organizational updates and address any concerns. In my case, a network meeting is held every Wednesday at 11:00 AM. Utilizes various communication channels, such as video meetings, all hands meetings, or digital platforms like ServiceNow, to keep everyone informed.

Accountability:

Take responsibility and own your successes and failures. Hold everybody and their teams accountable for meeting goals and objectives. How we acknowledge errors is essential; if we punish poor outcomes, people learn to point fingers at each other instead of learning from the events. It is only a true mistake if it is repeated because nobody takes the time to learn from it. Our goal is to always be learning from each other and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Remember we are a team.

Decision-Making:

Involve team members in the decision-making process when appropriate. Value diverse perspectives and encourage collaboration. Ensure that decisions align with the organization's vision and goals. In my case, they are based on an Operational Framework I create every January to keep my teams and myself on task throughout the year.

Trust:

Build trust by being direct, honest, consistent, and reliable. Share information about the organization's challenges and involve your teams in finding solutions. Trusts team members to take on responsibilities and make decisions within their roles. I have an agreement with my management team that I set expectations of what the organization needs then they develop and execute plans to meet our objectives. A transparent leader is a facilitator.

Adaptability:

Demonstrate adaptability in the face of change. Keep the team informed about changes in the organization's direction and the reasons behind them. Encourage a mindset of flexibility and resilience.

Leadership:

Articulate a compelling vision for the future of the organization. Inspire and motivate teams by connecting their individual roles to the broader organizational vision. This is accomplished by being transparent and maintaining a focus on long-term goals while addressing short-term challenges.

Employee Development:

Support professional growth and development of team members. Try to hire from within, when possible, by providing opportunities for skill-building and advancement. Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements. By embodying these qualities, a transparent leader can contribute to a positive and dynamic organizational culture, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustained growth.

Finally, great leaders are masters at transparency. A perfect example is Abraham Lincoln who practiced a style called Servant Leadership. Lincoln would speak to people at their level, and he was known for his storytelling and persuasiveness. With this type of leadership as our goal, every organization will succeed.