Definition: 1.easy to see through, understand, or recognize; obvious 2. candid, open, or frank.
Ah, being transparent … a word that means a tremendous amount to me. If more businesses were transparent with what they were really offering and at what price and all the space in between, our days wouldn’t be nearly as filled with the complaints and jaded comments we’re thrown. I like things which are clear and easy and the more complex you make it, the more I move away. Thinking that way, we go to great pains to make sure that we don’t conduct business in that manner. I guess it’s the whole Golden Rule applied in business, “Do unto your customers as you would want done unto you.” It’s pretty simple.
In my blog posts lately, I’ve been revealing more of the story behind the creation of our company; therefore, becoming more transparent on a more personal level. I’m doing this for several reasons and am sticking with the important parts, not getting to the point where it crosses any lines – just stating the facts and reality of things. It’s more to show that we’re all in the same boat at some point as struggling business owners, entrepreneurs and dreamers just trying to pave our way and the peaks and valleys along the journey.
I think when a business or person (keeping within boundaries mind you) fails to be transparent then trust is never quite established or easily broken. I don’t want to guess who or what I’m doing business with and I believe our potential customers don’t want to feel that either. I think it comes down to respect to their intelligence and their time.
I’ve seen it written that the word transparent or transparency is overused – I disagree, I don’t think it can be overused for fear of it simply being forgotten or undermined how important it is. I think we need to hold ourselves at a higher standard … always.
So, as a small business owner, what are your thoughts on being transparent? Is the word overused nowadays? Do you think it’s a positive or a negative and if so why? What are your transparency policies? Chime in.
Thanks so much for visiting The Wrap and we hope this blog and our vlogs are helpful in some way to you. See you next time for Word of the Week!
Life is filigree work. What is written clearly is not worth much, it’s the transparency that counts. Louis-Ferdinand Celine
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Yes, I want to be transparent and a ‘what you see is what you get’ type person.
The reason I thought Lisa’s post on authenticity was so good is that some people try to be ‘too authentic’ which in turn does not make them more attractive and actually can make them one-dimensional and not really themselves. You truly have a different persona when you are at work; when you are at home and when you are with your buds. The core is the same (or should be), but they all have a different twist. This does not mean you are not being transparent or less than authentic, it just means you are being an adult.
I don’t like bad surprises; the last thing I would want a business owner that I’m doing business with is to think I tried to pull a fast one or didn’t tell the whole story to gain an advantage. If I’m not totally transparent and forthcoming then it only takes one time to be ‘caught’ that will ruin your credibility and trust. They will always have that seed of doubt. Subsequently, I want to be treated the same way; unfortunately we know that isn’t always the case.
I have nothing to lie about and sometimes I have to ask the hard questions knowing it might cost us a deal because the owner isn’t prepared to move forward with us. However, the sooner you find out these answers the less time you have to waste.
I think people talk transparency and authenticity a lot, but talk is cheap. Actions speak much louder than words every time; trust your instincts.
Bill Dorman recently posted..I’ve been kicked out of my house
Thank you so much for your comment Bill! One-dimensional, hmm … that’s a great point!! Sooo glad you said this.
I get what you’re saying and agree. I have several different “personas” and more call it adapting to my environment or being a chameleon.
For me it’s all about the trust factor and that’s so fragile these days I feel. I so related when you write about asking the “hard questions …” I’m with you about wasting mine (each other’s) time.
I’m always so grateful for your thoughts and your time Mr. Dorman … THANK YOU!!
Much kindness,
Elena
P.S. – see … you’re my only comment!!
Elena Patrice recently posted..Word of the Week | Transparency.
Yes, but that one is Mr Excitement, right? I hear ya, I really need to be more thankful for what I do have and just keep my yap shut……….
Bill Dorman recently posted..I’ve been kicked out of my house
Mr. Excitement indeed! YAY!
Elena Patrice recently posted..Word of the Week | Transparency.
Twitter: hajraks
says:
I love the word!
The word is so important in my profession and now I understand its implications. Transparency is important in whatever aspect you have around you. Be it relationship , work or just about anything. Let others see what you are and what you truly stand for and what you might be offering them and what they can expect.
Sometimes I might want to keep certain things to myself and be a little ambiguous; but that’s personal. Decide what walls you want to build for yourself and how far are the “walls” hampering your growth personally and professionally. Take it from there!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Hajra recently posted..Satisfying the Blogging Soul
Hello my friend!!
I hope you’re well! Excellent understanding of this wonderful word! I’m totally with you! I think having measured ambiguity is a good thing and quite smart. Sometimes people can be sooo out there that not much is left to any imagination at all.
I can imagine in your business that transparency is huge and it is definitely the basis for trust.
Thank you so much Hajra for taking time to comment – always I’m grateful!
Blue, happy skies to you!
Elena
Elena Patrice recently posted..Word of the Week | Transparency.
What’s the old saw? “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
I think transparency is all about letting people see who you are in terms of what you stand for…it’s exhibiting, in all areas of your life, your values and priorities. I don’t, however, believe in standing naked (OK Bill…go run with that one:), baring my soul and sharing my experience in life, good and bad. But maybe that’s just the “polite Canadian” in me. I’m quite uncomfortable when I read “naked” posts about someone’s most intimate life details but again, that’s just me.
So transparency for me is saying what you mean and meaning what you say, in a tactful, clear, compassionate and value-laden way, regardless of whether I’m chatting with a friend or meeting with a client. With me, what you see is what you get. I wear my heart on my sleeve, I love people with a passion and my work and my life are inextricably bound to “the Golden Rule”. Cheers! Kaarina
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..Mountains and goals: when to forge ahead, when to stop
Oh Kaarina, you just wrote one of my all time favorite sayings!!! I must say it several times each week!!
Your comment is so beautiful and sincere my friend and I think you stated everything perfectly! You wrote what I obviously couldn’t clearly convey about keeping certain things to yourself, tact, boundaries, etc. (I need to consult you prior to my next Word of the Week post!).
I share certain things about our journey first, because I’m asked and second, because if it encourages anyone in any way to “keep on keepin’ on” then it’s worth it.
Yes the Golden Rule rules in all things!
So glad to see you here and have your valuable input … thank you, thank you!!
Abundant kindness,
Elena
Elena Patrice recently posted..Word of the Week | Transparency.
Ah, don’t get me wrong Elena…I’m all about sharing, but within limits. I’m really clear about what’s “appropriate” and “not appropriate” for me to share, but that will be different for each and every person. As I said, I’m not one to stand naked to the world: I’ll swim with my swimsuit on…at least in public, haha!
And if you want to run anything by me, feel free to do so…anytime. Cheers! Kaarina
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..Mountains and goals: when to forge ahead, when to stop
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