Blog Series #1: Communication Strategy: Transparency - The CEO Viewpoint

We all know that communication within an organization is essential – this is nothing new – but the significance of how and what leaders choose to communicate is often undervalued. With this in mind, we thought we’d share our thoughts on having a transparent communication strategy and why having one is critical.

CEOs don’t necessarily explain why certain tasks are assigned or their importance – they just assign them and expect them to be completed. But without a strategic explanation, these are just hollow words. Task assignment provides the perfect opportunity to mentor an employee, and create team alignment. If an employee doesn’t see the importance, the end goal, etc., they are just following blindly – continuing on without questioning or considering how the tasks fit into the bigger picture.

So what are the greatest benefits of a transparent communication strategy?

– It builds trust. Don’t underestimate your employees’ intelligence by holding back information. There is a big difference between being cautious and being secretive, and being secretive, when communicating with employees, only works to create dissention in the ranks. By being open, you show your employees that you trust them.

– It gets the entire team aligned. Being transparent gives team members the chance to see what is going on, when it is going on, and why that matters with regard to the task they are being expected to complete. This is especially crucial when it comes to implementing change. Making sure everyone is on board is the only way to ensure change is accepted.

– It avoids surprises. When employees have the information they need to perform, and understand the bigger picture, providing feedback and dealing with issues is far more effective.

– It creates purpose. Employees who operate with purpose are conscientious, responsible, goal oriented and engaged in the company.

Ok, you might be thinking that this is far more complicated to put into practice. And we admit, it can sometimes be a challenge to decide what to communicate to your team versus what to hold back. This is where the concept of assigning tasks with an explanation reigns supreme – the idea that employees don’t really need to know everything can quickly kill momentum. But when considering what to share, try to avoid falling back on the idea that the information isn’t necessary. Sure, some knowledge is not required, but there are things that employees should know in order to remain committed and perform at their best.

The concept of transparent communication is simple – be honest and open, and the benefits will become evident very quickly. Also, be consistent – transparency should be a continued method of communication. Creating an open dialogue between employees encourages innovation within an organization. After all, innovation isn’t the sole responsibility of those at the top, nor does it come solely from the top.

For more about approaching transparency when it comes to your communication strategy, Innovators Alliance can help. Contact us today by calling 1-905-332-0340.