Leadership is key to making workplaces more inclusive and dynamic. In this issue, we’re focusing on how critical it is for leaders to promote a culture of openness by modeling it themselves. This ‘unhiding’ is not just good for building trust and boosting team spirit; it’s good for business.
“What’s the culture like here?” I always dreaded that question when I interviewed candidates.
My standard reply: “Everyone here contributes to our culture.” (I got it wrong.)
Their question was not just a casual inquiry about the office environment; it was an opportunity to share my leadership values and commitment to shaping our culture – to share part of me.
I’ve come to realize that culture isn’t just another responsibility to delegate; it fundamentally starts with leadership. Leaders must be the first to model ‘unhiding’ and actively demonstrate transparency and authenticity at every phase of the talent lifecycle, from recruitment to retention and even during transitions when employees exit.
Leaders Pave the Way for Consistent Transparency
Leaders have a unique ability to set the tone for their organizations. Opening up about their own challenges and vulnerabilities creates a space where everyone else can feel safe to do the same.
Take Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, for example. In 2014, he openly discussed his sexual orientation in Bloomberg, stating that “a company that loves creativity and innovation can only flourish when you embrace people’s differences.” Cook hoped his openness would help others struggling with their identity feel less alone and inspire people to fight for equality. His action was a powerful demonstration of using his leadership position to promote inclusivity and authenticity within Apple and beyond.
Hiding parts of ourselves at work holds us back. We miss out on deeper connections, stifle our creativity, and promote misunderstandings and assumptions.
Conversely, when leaders choose to unhide and share more openly, it can transform an organization. It breaks down barriers and builds a foundation of trust, paving the way for a culture rich in empathy, inclusion, and belonging — all essential for fostering innovation.
Complexities of Transparency in Leadership
Many leaders shy away from openness at work, fearing it could appear weak or be exploited. ‘Traditional’ leadership emphasized distance and performance over openness. However, this vulnerability is essential for dismantling stigmas, shifting perspectives, and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all employees.
According to a report by Deloitte called “Uncovering Culture,” about 67% of senior leaders tend to hide aspects of themselves, especially as they advance in their careers and face more pressure.
To shift this dynamic, it’s important to show that being transparent is actually a strength that can improve the health of an organization, not a weakness. Encouraging openness helps build a supportive environment that increases employee satisfaction and positively impacts the company’s bottom line — better retention, engagement, and innovation throughout the organization.
When Leaders Unhide, They:
· Build Trust: When leaders are consistently transparent, it shows team members that being themselves at work is okay. This helps create a workplace where everyone feels valued and understood.
· Enhance Team Morale and Cohesion: When leaders share their own stories and show their human side, it helps build a stronger, more connected team. This openness makes everyone feel like they belong and are supported.
· Improve Communication: Clear, consistent communication from leaders prevents misunderstandings and creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and issues.
· Foster Innovation and Creativity: By valuing authenticity and integrity, leaders invite a variety of perspectives, which can lead to better problem-solving and more creative ideas.
· Encourage Personal Growth and Resilience: Leaders who talk about their challenges and how they’ve overcome them inspire their teams to see difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning. And by unhiding, leaders also continue their own journey of growth and learning.
Join Our Fireside Chat Series
Check out our Fireside Chat Series: Leaders Go First! It’s a great way for you and other leaders to engage in what it means to lead authentically and create vibrant workplace cultures. We offer a welcoming space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of leadership, helping you lead with vulnerability and strength. Interested? Connect at ruth@ruthrathblott.com or visit our website at www.ruthrathblott.com for more details.
