There seems to be an inverse relationship between the higher up you go in an organization and how transparent decisions are. Yet most organization claim to be striving for transparency.

“It gets complicated.”

“We can’t appear to…”

“We don’t want people thinking that…”

“We wouldn’t get buy-in if we admitted these are the reasons…”

“Our customer wouldn’t understand…”

“That wouldn’t align with our messaging…”

These are all justifications while simultaneously touting that, “We value transparency.”

No you don’t. You value being perceived as valuing transparency. But the reality is that transparency means that you admit that you were wrong. Transparency is explaining an unpopular decision because you feel it is the right decision. Transparency is not hiding the uncomfortable truth.

Sure, there are things that should only be shared on a need to know basis, but other than for respect and privacy reasons, most of those less frequently shared things would not be a secret in a truly transparent organization. And it’s not just customers but employees who would appreciate transparency, and maybe feel more valued in the process.