Transparent Leadership

One of my CEO leadership coaching clients naturally has a very open communication leadership style. However, in this difficult economic climate he made a strategic decision to be less empowering with the members of his senior leadership team. He was very transparent with his senior team members that he was going to lean on them to be more accountable for results. He needed to instill a sense of urgency and overcome complacency.

The CEO also needed to be open with his senior leaders that they would be held accountable for substantially improving the performance of employees. He instilled substantial trust by being transparent about his intention.

The CEO needed engage his people emotionally to help them overcome complacency and develop a sense of urgency. The culture of the company would still be fun but more accountable.

Transparent Communications

Open and honest communications support the decision to trust. Lack of communication and transparency creates suspicion.

To increase transparency:
• Increase the frequency and candor of your communications.
• Build a relationship beyond the constraints of your official role.
• Use the word “we” more often than “I.”
• Emphasize common values and goals.
• Be clear whose goals and interests you are promoting.
• Be sure your actions support your words.
• Demonstrate a clear concern for others.
• Under-promise and over-deliver.
• Ask more questions.
• Really listen to the answers.

Are you working in a company or law firm where leadership is building a culture of trust and transparency? Does your company or law firm provide leadership coaching and leadership development to help leaders become more open and trustworthy? Leaders need to model open communication for employees to fully engage.

One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is “Do I lead by increasing the frequency and candor of my communications?” Emotionally intelligent and socially intelligent organizations provide executive coaching and leadership development for leaders who want to become more transparent in their communications.

Working with a seasoned executive coach trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating leadership assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i and CPI 260 can help you become more open increasing trust in your organization. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become fully engaged with the vision and mission of your company or law firm.