I think sharing information is the right thing to do. You probably do too. Maintaining a transparent environment is often a precursor to a workplace that actually values trust.
Values trust.
What About Timing?
So what happens when there is news to share; or a plan needs to be rolled out; or there is the possibility that something new is on the corporate horizon? Should everything be pushed out as quickly as possible, all in the name of affirming there is no hidden agenda?
Absolutely not. While our teams want information as quickly as possible, they want accurate information even more.
Accurate information = Trust.
Be Honest
That’s right, you need to be honest with people. Forget the spin cycle, the editorial scrubbing and the wordsmithing. Sometimes you just need to share what’s happening when it’s time to share it. I’ve seen too many leaders shoot their mouth off with misinformation that requires far too much damage control and rework later. Being honest with people is essential; pumping people full of “corporate-spin” is a recipe for disaster.
How About You
Do you follow the model of sharing as much accurate information as you can as quickly as you can? How do you ensure that happens? Or, do you prefer to hoard the information and only share the story one degree of reality at a time?
I’d love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic courtesy of millionairebusinessschool