A Business Consultancy Firm Helps Companies Create Candor
Most of us like to believe that we are as candid as we can possibly be in the workplace. But the truth is that we often avoid candor for a variety of reasons, each of which contribute to a dysfunctional environment where everyone from the CEO to the rank-and-file rarely actually say what they mean. The result is a breakdown in communication, distrust, and subpar performance.
A business consultancy firm points out five of the most common reasons for our unwillingness to be candid at work and the fears behind them:
• Job security: We think our candor will be held against us. What if I don’t get the promotion because I told my manager what I truly thought? In a work environment that embraces candor, you will be rewarded for telling it like it is and letting others always know where they stand.
• Social alienation: Another reason why candor can be difficult is that we fear the consequences of damaging working relationships. What if I risk being part of the team by telling the truth? A lack of authenticity actually results in problems that intensify and damage team relationships and effectiveness.
• Hurting coworkers’ feelings: A business consultancy firm notes that we often censor ourselves because we don’t want coworkers to be embarrassed or to create any bad blood. What if they think I don’t like them if I tell the truth? Although our concern for coworkers’ feelings is genuine, it’s also true that this lack of communication often results in more work for us! We’d rather shoulder the burden than risk upsetting a coworker who we consider a friend. The result?
Effectiveness and performance suffers on both a personal and professional level.
• Self-perception: We obviously don’t want to look bad or make it seem as if we’re trying to gain anything by our conversations with coworkers. The idea of humiliation makes us recoil from candid communication. But candor with regards to self-perception actually helps you build confidence and have the determination to say what needs to be done for the business to succeed.
• Change: The unknown makes many of us fearful, especially if we suspect our job is on the line. What if my feedback points out a glaring weakness in one of my team members? This is a rational fear, but every business consultancy firm will tell you that change is almost always a good thing. Airing out the real situation actually builds trust and establishes the fact that you are committed to success, regardless of the consequences.
Making candor a part of the corporate culture doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice and should be initiated by the executives who set the direction of the company. Candid dialogue enables you to create authentic and honest internal communication that leads to better decisions, faster action, and the ability to uncover the obstacles that are hindering growth.