Show Your Work and Workplace Truth
There are lots of alternatives. We can masquerade around the workplace or illustrate real effort. Do you show your work?
Mistrust in workplace teams, society, or media outlets seems commonplace. Sometimes it is easily recognized, other times it is in disguise.
Trust issues can stem from many things. Including unconscious or misinterpreted acts.
Closed doors.
Narrowing the number of invitations for the meeting.
A conversation that stops when you enter the room.
What is in your non-verbal communication? What is the workplace truth?
Transparency Means Progress
Transparency is a popular word. People seek transparency in government, in workplaces, and even among friends and family.
Transparency means the curtain has been lifted, the veil pulled back, and what remains is the truth.
Organizations probably have more to gain from transparency than they realize.
There is the wasted time of gossip. The consequences of miscommunication and how it effects morale and productivity. Workplace effectiveness decreases when the effort is cloaked in black or shades of gray.
Closed doors, side conversations, and the meeting after the meeting. What is the message?
Are you saying something when you say nothing? What do your actions illustrate?
Is there trust?
Progress happens with less effort when trust is present.
You should show your work.
Show Your Work
Are you role modeling the principles that you suggest you stand behind?
Everyone brings forward an honest truth when they show their work.
Role models are everywhere. Even when no one believes that anyone is watching.
There is a simple truth to transparency.
Show your work.
Be what you say.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
