Last week we looked at the importance of having a transparent communication strategy, and how, from a CEO viewpoint, it is beneficial to an entire organization. One of the challenges we spoke about was the fact that many leaders don’t necessarily see the need to provide a great deal of information when assigning a task to an employee. This week, we thought we’d take a look at how transparency directly impacts the employee, and therefore impacts an organization as a whole.
When we talk about transparency, we’re not saying that you should be providing employees with access to everything about your organization – far from it. But in order to keep employees engaged and committed, they may need more information than you are currently providing.
From an employee’s perspective, a transparent communication strategy is one that allows an individual to feel as though they are actually a part of creating the big picture, rather than just a cog in the machine. Employees want to be a part of the process, in every way, and they don’t just want information in the form of company-wide emails, meetings, newsletters – this is just information. They want two-way communication – the chance to provide feedback in an enviroment that is safe.
Still don’t see the value?
Think about it this way: for an organization, hidden agendas are fatal. Employees quickly become dissatisfied with their leadership and management teams when they feel they have something to hide. When messages are delivered, they should not be open for interpretation, or have more than one meaning. They need to be clear, with no secret agenda. If an employee can see the meaning behind the message, they are better prepared to contribute fully to the tasks at hand.
Hidden agendas (perceived or real) will also kill an innovative process really quickly. When an employee is not informed or made aware of weaknesses within a company, because of a lack of transparency, there is no motivation to change. Remember, innovation does not always trickle down from the top. Sometimes the best ideas come from those in the thick of things – but if an employee is not aware of where improvements are required, and why they are required, they won’t be motivated to influence change.
When it comes to implementing change within an organization, transparency is especially crucial. Change can be scary, so ensuring employees understand the change completely, why it is being implemented, as well as the expected benefits of those changes, gives employees the chance to see the value in the change and commit to it.
At Innovators Alliance, we try to help you think outside the box when it comes to innovation – and one of the best ways to achieve this is though a transparent communication strategy. Call us today for more about how to put yours in place. 1-905-332-0340.
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