SFSU CoB Alumni Ethics Group

Here are some ideas (taken from The Transparency Edge by Pagano and Pagano). They suggest that there are 9 behaviors that help to fulfill expectations of credibility and play an important role in determining the transparency of a leader:
1. Being Overwhelmingly Honest - They suggest that honesty must be an unbroken guiding principle
2. Gathering Intelligence - Ask others for their opinion. This conveys respect and shows that you value their input.
3. Being Composed - The way that leaders conduct themselves in good times and bad generally gives a good indication of their credibility and competence
4. Letting Your Guard Down - Rewarding personal authenticity is important in both leadership and personal transparency. So be prepared to let your guard down when others would keep their cards to themselves.
5. Keeping Promises - When leaders do what they say (i.e.walk the talk), they create an environment of trust.
6. Properly Handling Mistakes - How you handle mistakes may be as important as getting it right the first time.
7. Delivering Bad News Well - Being able to be provide accurate and timely information when things go wrong helps to build credibility and trust.
8. Avoiding Destructive Comments - Leaders must model and reward constructive language.
9. Showing Others That You Care - 'Followers' must feel that leaders actually care about them as individuals.

Do share any views you have about this list of 9 behaviors to help build credibility and become a transparent leader.