Being transparent as a leader isn’t just about having an open-door policy. It’s about having an open-heart policy.
It means sharing not just the "what," but also the "why" behind decisions. It means being real about challenges, open about uncertainties, and clear about expectations. When you do this, something powerful happens—your team (and your family) feel safe enough to do the same. And that’s when trust, collaboration, and innovation take off.
Why Openness Matters
🔹 It Builds Trust: When your team (or your family) sees you being open, they’re more likely to share ideas, feedback, and even challenges before they become full-blown problems.
🔹 It Fuels Engagement: People thrive in environments where they can speak up without fear of judgment. When you lead with transparency, you create space for ownership and innovation.
🔹 It Strengthens Relationships: Whether in business or at home, real connection comes from honest, open communication. Transparency makes people feel valued and understood.
Openness in Action: Lessons from the Trenches
When my company was on the brink of collapse—$600,000 in debt—I made a huge mistake: I kept the truth from my team. I thought I had to fix everything on my own. But the weight was crushing me.
Finally, I told them. I laid it all out—the good, the bad, and the ugly. And you know what happened? Instead of panicking or running for the exits, my team rallied. They brought ideas, found solutions, and helped turn things around. That moment reinforced a truth I now share with every leader I coach transparency isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength multiplier.
One of my clients, a tech CEO, faced a similar challenge. A major contract was in jeopardy, and he was afraid to tell his team. He thought admitting the struggle would make him look weak. When he finally opened up, his team didn’t judge him—they jumped in to help. They came up with innovative solutions and ultimately saved the deal. More importantly, his leadership stock skyrocketed because his team knew he trusted them enough to tell the truth.
How to Foster a Culture of Openness
✅ Communicate Consistently: Share updates, challenges, and insights—not just when things are going well. People appreciate honesty over spin.
✅ Encourage Real Feedback: Let your team know their voices matter. Ask for input and actually act on it.
✅ Model Vulnerability: Own your mistakes and uncertainties. If you don’t have all the answers, say so—but commit to figuring them out together.
Balancing Transparency: What to Share (and What to Hold Back)
Being open doesn’t mean saying everything that pops into your head. It’s about strategic transparency:
✅ What to Share: Key updates that impact the team, decisions that shape culture, and the ‘why’ behind major changes.
⛔ What NOT to Share: Speculative fears, confidential details, or personal frustrations that don’t serve the team’s well-being.
🤔 When in Doubt: If you’re unsure how much to share, acknowledge what you don’t know, commit to updates, and reinforce confidence in the team’s ability to adapt.
And remember—transparency isn’t just about what you say, but how you say it. People crave stability, reliability, and clarity from their leaders. Keep that in mind when framing tough conversations.
Need Help Navigating a Tough Conversation?
Got a difficult discussion coming up? Unsure how to share without oversharing? Let’s talk. Hit Reply and share your situation—I’ll personally help you craft a transparent, trust-building message.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
With gratitude,
Todd
