Transparent Leaders Build Trust

As leaders, we sometimes forget what it's like to be new. We fly through the day giving directions, listening, and reorganizing priorities. We don't stop to explain ourselves because, let's be honest; we don't have time.

That's why it's so important that when someone asks you why you're doing something, you take a moment to explain it.

Do you remember what it was like when you were new? You probably saw your boss moving through their day like a celebrity. It was a mystery how they could talk to everyone with ease. They fixed every technical problem and knew the answer to everything. When they made time for you, it made you feel special.

Yep, slow down, you celebrity. Your team wants to know what you do and why.

The benefits are endless when you hold transparency as a critical leadership trait.

Trust

Your team will trust you more when you can explain what's going on and when you can't - say you don't know. It's easier than you think, and your team will love you for it. The best leaders I've ever had explained what they knew and told me when they didn't have an answer. The great ones followed up when they did have the answer.

The leaders that can't explain will breed disloyalty. Have you ever had one of those "because I said so" bosses? Ugh, the worst, right? I don't get it. Do they say that because they don't know, or is it a power trip? Either way - don't do this.

Talent will be revealed

When you're transparent, it encourages dialogue. Your team will begin to feel more comfortable around you, and you won't be as scary to them. Yes, you are scary, even you leaders who think you're not.

A platform for transparency is that of a growth mindset. You will see quickly which team members ask about the business and which ones do not. Talent has the opportunity to flourish in a transparent environment.

It strengthens the team

Transparent leaders have strong teams. Everyone is getting the information they need, and they know that if they need clarification, they can come to you. Transparent leaders crush gossip and chatter because their teams know they will get the real story from the person at the top.

When teams are left without goals and a vision, they get complacent. To be honest, I would too. Transparency is key. Maybe you think sales goals, payroll, or loss prevention is too complex for people in the building without the title of manager. You'd be wrong.

Your team wants to learn more than you know. Learning something new sparks interest and makes people dedicated. I could always tell my team why we had to cut payroll or shift priorities, and they understood.

Takeaway

Give your team members your time. That's what they're after. They want information, and they want to hear it from you when possible. Tell them what you're up to and why. If you can't, tell them that as well. "I don't know" is an excellent response, followed by "I'll let you know when I do."

Mondays were always crazy for me when I was a store manager. Conference calls were happening, and schedules were due. Eight hours would fly by in what seemed like four. My team knew this. They joked that Mondays were my "cave days" because I was in the office all day. They knew I didn't have much time to connect with them on Mondays because I was in the "cave" all day.

Explain to your team what your week looks like and what you need from them. They will support you because you were transparent about the business and your workload.

Your team wants to help you. They want to make what you do easier. Share what you can, and it will increase trust, reveal talent, and your team will be stronger because of it. Transparency is sometimes pushed aside when leaders get caught up in their heads. Don't let it. Share what you know, and it will strengthen your team.

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