The Advantage of Transparent Leadership

Back in a decade when the height of my hair was only matched by the size of my shoulder pads, I learned a lesson as a young TV reporter about the power of leading with transparency.

I was doing yet another story about thick, choking pollution spewing from a steel plant in the regional city where I worked.

For years, the steelworks operators had treated the media with contempt, denying there was a pollution issue and giving us only dismissive responses.

Hardly surprising that most stories about the local steel industry were negative.

Then there was a change of leadership. A new general manager arrived in town.

He agreed to my request for an interview, which was a surprising first step. Then he floored me by not denying the problem, blaming others or trying to deflect the issue.

On camera, he explained clearly and concisely how a plant malfunction had caused the latest pollution event. He took responsibility and apologised for the impact, guaranteeing that it wouldn’t happen again.

Wow.

I went away without a controversial story but with a deep admiration for this leader and his willingness to be transparent, even when the company’s reputation was taking a hit.

In our high-stakes business environment today, leaders face huge pressure to drive results, manage crises and maintain stakeholder trust. Yet a fundamental aspect often overlooked is the power of transparent communication.

Leaders who attempt deception in difficult situations play a dangerous game. In contrast, transparency creates not just short-term solutions but long-term trust and strategic strength.

Being honest might feel uncomfortable at times, but it’s a discomfort well worth enduring.