Main Idea
Has your trust in institutions been rattled over the last year? Do you still have trust in your bank? Do your employees trust that you are making good decisions? Are you being transparent in order to earn your employees trust?
Expansion of Idea
As humans, we are born as trusting beings. We rely heavily on our parents as small infants to protect us and provide us the necessities to grow. In the same light, your employees rely on you to provide direction, feedback, and security. In the past year, millions of Americans have weathered lay-offs, scandals, and bankruptcy. There’s no question that those people have lost trust.
As business owners, it is your responsibility to strengthen the trust relationship between yourself and your clients, employees, and vendors. Your business cannot survive if your motives and priorities are questioned by those that deal with you regularly. If you develop a reputation for being honest, you will be setting the example for your employees, especially those not holding a management position.
Typically, the people working on the front lines have information about customer or process problems that executives may not see. But if those people do not feel they can be honest and upfront, the problems will continue to go unnoticed-at least to upper management.
To avoid this scenario, executives need to be especially transparent. Admitting your mistakes to your team will encourage them to do so as well. Allow your company to have an open line of communication so that employees do not feel that their job is in jeopardy if they mess up. If you are approached by someone who confesses to making a mistake, show empathy for their courage to speak up and thank them.
Creating a culture of honesty can, at times, prove to be a challenge. Prepare yourself and management for unpleasant conversations that may come up. Being transparent in business can be difficult, but also rewarding, as the people surround you improve their working relationships.
Areas to Start:
1. Tell the truth!
2. Encourage employees to be honest.
3. Read Crucial Conversations to learn how to deal with uncomfortable situations.