A view through the looking glass: Issues of transparency
Much has been discussed on the issue of transparency these days. People talk about it in terms of accounting and finance, managerial style, government administration and much more. More often than not, it feels like such a vague term – just another corporate jargon that gets mentioned at planning or review meetings, but which hardly anyone really knows much about. We often tend to think of it as a concern for higher echelons in our organization to take care of, thus making it something we are not too concerned about.
But really, the word transparency itself simply means a state of openness, an atmosphere where things can be easily seen and understood. This mostly pertains to the aspect of communication. Hence, it is something equally applicable to us as active members of the workforce, regardless of our position. But how truly important is it?
One obvious plus point from cultivating transparency is that it helps foster a more cooperative approach to work. Assuming that everyone within a certain project team is forthright in their opinions and ideas and the team leader is open with all issues regarding the project, there is a high likelihood that costly mistakes can be avoided as various team members spot loopholes or weaknesses in the plans that are being formulated and voice them out in good time. There would also be a greater sense of ownership over any decision that is made as a team, thus creating a more cohesive group that is capable of better performance.
Besides that, the practice of transparency creates a more conducive work culture. Consider the impact it would have on subordinates if their boss was honest and willingly disclosed why he was absent from an important meeting at work. This would prevent employees from drawing their own conclusions about their boss’ dedication to the job and his philosophy towards work in general. Suspicion and disrespect can therefore be curbed as employees’ concerns have now been effectively alleviated. As a result, productivity levels would rise and a sense of loyalty towards the boss and ultimately the company itself would have been cultivated.
Based on these examples, it is obvious that there are many benefits that the discipline of transparency has to offer. In fact, it doesn’t really require much on everyone’s part, yet the difficulty lies in making a habit out of it rather than only doing it upon demand. What is basically needed is for us to make the necessary effort. There are plenty of situations at work where ambiguity exists, and in such circumstances it would be our duty to take action to reduce this uncertainty by speaking up or asking questions or simply doing our bit. While it is true that most of us are not in a position to influence or change the formal policies at work, yet just taking measures to be honest or encourage clarity in speech and actions will really go a long way in making your working environment a more pleasant one.
For instance, if you are running behind schedule in your tasks, it would clear things up a lot if you spoke to your boss frankly about what’s going on. Maybe it really isn’t your fault that things are going at snail pace because someone at the client’s end has delayed in providing you with some much needed input or feedback. Having made your boss aware of your difficulty, you may find that he/she might even be able to help you resolve this problem that you are facing with the client. However, if you had merely kept quiet about your work backlog, your boss may come to the wrong conclusion that you are lazy or incompetent in your job.
As you can see, all that’s needed here is for you to be honest and strive to communicate effectively. These are the building blocks of transparency. As straightforward as this may sound, this often neglected aspect of work ethics is often the cause of many relational problems at work. Therefore, if you had asked me, I’d say this is something worth incorporating into the way we do things at work. You will find that it will not only earn you the respect of your co-workers, it will even help you a great deal in your career advancement in the years to come.
But really, the word transparency itself simply means a state of openness, an atmosphere where things can be easily seen and understood. This mostly pertains to the aspect of communication. Hence, it is something equally applicable to us as active members of the workforce, regardless of our position. But how truly important is it?
One obvious plus point from cultivating transparency is that it helps foster a more cooperative approach to work. Assuming that everyone within a certain project team is forthright in their opinions and ideas and the team leader is open with all issues regarding the project, there is a high likelihood that costly mistakes can be avoided as various team members spot loopholes or weaknesses in the plans that are being formulated and voice them out in good time. There would also be a greater sense of ownership over any decision that is made as a team, thus creating a more cohesive group that is capable of better performance.
Besides that, the practice of transparency creates a more conducive work culture. Consider the impact it would have on subordinates if their boss was honest and willingly disclosed why he was absent from an important meeting at work. This would prevent employees from drawing their own conclusions about their boss’ dedication to the job and his philosophy towards work in general. Suspicion and disrespect can therefore be curbed as employees’ concerns have now been effectively alleviated. As a result, productivity levels would rise and a sense of loyalty towards the boss and ultimately the company itself would have been cultivated.
Based on these examples, it is obvious that there are many benefits that the discipline of transparency has to offer. In fact, it doesn’t really require much on everyone’s part, yet the difficulty lies in making a habit out of it rather than only doing it upon demand. What is basically needed is for us to make the necessary effort. There are plenty of situations at work where ambiguity exists, and in such circumstances it would be our duty to take action to reduce this uncertainty by speaking up or asking questions or simply doing our bit. While it is true that most of us are not in a position to influence or change the formal policies at work, yet just taking measures to be honest or encourage clarity in speech and actions will really go a long way in making your working environment a more pleasant one.
For instance, if you are running behind schedule in your tasks, it would clear things up a lot if you spoke to your boss frankly about what’s going on. Maybe it really isn’t your fault that things are going at snail pace because someone at the client’s end has delayed in providing you with some much needed input or feedback. Having made your boss aware of your difficulty, you may find that he/she might even be able to help you resolve this problem that you are facing with the client. However, if you had merely kept quiet about your work backlog, your boss may come to the wrong conclusion that you are lazy or incompetent in your job.
As you can see, all that’s needed here is for you to be honest and strive to communicate effectively. These are the building blocks of transparency. As straightforward as this may sound, this often neglected aspect of work ethics is often the cause of many relational problems at work. Therefore, if you had asked me, I’d say this is something worth incorporating into the way we do things at work. You will find that it will not only earn you the respect of your co-workers, it will even help you a great deal in your career advancement in the years to come.
1 comments:
I like what transparency is all about and how it can empower individuals. Many companies preach it, but sadly they don't walk the talk.
I served two years in such a company.
There were days when the superior was absent, or simply left by noon and the rest of the subordinates would be clueless. There were moments during meetings when the senior whipped out new figures/strategies and those within the department were caught off guard.
The CEO of that company preached it (transparency), but unfortunately the value did not flow throughout the company. It is so so important to make sure your key people walk the talk. If not, especially if he/she is a bad apple, please show them the highway.
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