transparency in business, a tool for achievement and commitment

The dynamic of transparency in business has become more widespread in recent years, but this approach is often limited to a simple tool to promote the employer’s brand, with the stated goal of employees, customers or clients -to keep a deposit.

Limiting ourselves to this simple goal does not allow us to fully appreciate the benefits of transparency: a value that, if placed at the heart of the strategy, can be a powerful tool for commitment and performance within the company. Applying transparency and providing information to all employees at a level traditionally reserved for the management committee allows all teams to work independently, make decisions and innovation. But for it to work, it is important to know the prerequisites necessary to make it a growth lever.

Transparency, trust vector

By sharing its strategy transparently throughout its organization, a company leaves its comfort zone of control and replaces it with context. It then promotes better communication and a better understanding of the issues to empower teams at the local level to encourage innovation and facilitate strategic decisions.

Under these conditions, transparency is the first link in a policy that allows each employee to be independent and make decisions, and gives them the opportunity to be a real growth lever for the company. Surprisingly, by bringing the strategy back to where innovation can be encouraged, the company encourages quick decisions and increases its efficiency. Without a detailed knowledge of the projects or the direction of the company, of course it is difficult for employees to take initiatives, planning with a long-term view while making the best time.

At the same time, transparency in information sharing generates more commitment: everyone is more comfortable and performs better in an environment where trust is a given by default. The strategic context of the company and being equipped with decision-making ability is one of the main factors for the development of employees.

Limits and risks of information sharing

While transparency can be beneficial, it must be balanced and implemented thoughtfully. First, even if information sharing is recommended, not all employees are
not the same level of understanding. Appropriate education and training must therefore precede any strategic communication to increase the level of competence and tenure of each employee: this is especially true for financial subjects, at the heart of corporate strategy.

This also requires structuring your internal communication: too much information can end up confusing messages and harming the company. It is therefore essential that the members of the management committee are aligned so that they can achieve clear goals and communicate them to everyone.

Apply the concept of transparency strategically

Since every business is different in how it operates, each one needs to apply an appropriate strategy. However, there are key principles that can be adapted to everyone.

First, although the aim is to have the most uniform dissemination of information possible, all stakeholders – with leaders and managers in sight – must set an example: transparency becomes a basic operating method, or even company value. Second, employees must be trained to understand the strategy and use emotion to make decisions. Finally, the company must establish a culture of transparency through various rituals. Regular meetings allow all employees to be involved, ask questions and ensure cohesion throughout the organization.

To be transparent, the basic prerequisite is trust in their employees in their ability to be independent and understand all the issues. However, it is also essential to recognize that every business is unique, with its own specifics and challenges. Therefore, the application of a transparency model must be tailored to the size, sector and culture of each organization.

If you are a member of the management committee of a growing company, it is essential to adapt this model to the reality of your organization. But go further: make transparency one of the fundamental pillars of your policy. This is the best way to ensure the success of your strategic plan.