Becoming a Transparent Leader

Becoming a Transparent Leader

There are different kinds of leaders. People follow different methods in leadership in order to achieve what is most important to them. Some leaders work hard for their own personal gain. They want to be able receive praise and they know that the collective effort of the team will always be a good thing for them. Some leaders work hard for an external cause because they know and understand that a lot of people depend on the difference that he or she can bring to the table. Some leaders work hard because know want the best for everyone. They know that the team needs them to bring everyone and everything together, so they will do all they can to make things happen.

Transparent Leadership

Regardless of their motivation, a leader will work a certain way. One of the best leadership methods is to become a transparent leader. Such kind of leadership is honest and straightforward. A leader who is transparent does not work with a hidden agenda but instead, he or she leads fairly by:

·         Encouraging dialogs and conversations: A good leader encourages his team to voice out their concerns, for the benefit of the team. A good leader asks more questions, and they make sure to listen to all their subordinates. 

·         Admitting mistakes: As human beings, a good leader should acknowledge the fact that they are not perfect and can therefore, err.  It is not easy for a leader to admit that they are wrong but in order to show fairness and equality, they should be brave enough recognize their faults, to sey a good example for the people. If the man in charge can display that kind of humility, it says a lot about the person.

·         Telling the truth at all times: It is almost usual practice for leaders to keep their subordinates in the dark with what is really happening. To avoid confrontation and panic, they keep the real picture away from the people no realizing that this action belittles what the people can do and say about the impending issue. If there is a problem, a leader should present it to the team.

·         Regarding the team as a “WE” and not an “I”: A great leader recognizes every person in the team as an integral part of the team. It is normal for leaders to forget other people so they keep mentioning “I” instead of “We” when they pertain to the group. If you are a leader of the group, you have to learn to recognize every person. You have to be accustomed to calling the team “we” because there is no “I” team.

·         Showing concern for other people’s needs and emotions: The people around you have needs and these people look up to you to be in charge. As a leader, you should recognize the fact that every person is different so you need to know how to deal with every one of them. You need to know how to handle the needs of your subordinates, and you need to be sensitive to the emotions of the people you work with and the people who work for you.