9 Benefits of Encouraging Candor

14. Jul, 2011 0 Comments

Candor: Speaking the truth openly. Displaying a willingness to say it like it is.

All leaders need team members who are willing to say it like it is. People who honestly share what they see and feel bring candor to the team. It’s not uncommon for a leader to find they are surrounded by people who are enamored with the one who holds the power.

Those who are captivated with being in the inner circle tend to go along with the leader instead of honestly assessing the merits of an idea. There is significant risk when team members are focused on fitting in, rather than finding the best solution.

It’s also easy for leaders to grow fond of their own ideas. We invest considerable time into solving a problems and that naturally brings us to the perfect solution. If we are not careful we will fall in love with seeing our idea put into action. Leaders risk losing significant opportunities to find the best solution when we become enamored with our own ideas.

Decision-makers limit the risk of failure when they insist that those who work with them share the truth no matter how uncomfortable it may feel. Effective leaders are more concerned with truth than with being spared. They accept that honesty and an open discussion result in better decisions. Great leaders understand that encouraging candor results in many benefits to the team.

9 benefits of candor:

1. Trust is strengthened.
2. More ideas are generated.
3. Passion of team members grows and fuels momentum.
4. Team members feel valued.
5. Decisions are exposed to the best thinking and analysis.
6. Decision makers are held accountable through the process and the outcome.
7. Leaders are able to put the strengths of the team toward finding the best solutions.
8. Course corrections can be made before significant consequences hinder success.
9. The team celebrates the successful solution together

Creating an environment where candor is encouraged elevates the value of truth and open communication in pursuit of the best outcome. Where there is candor, people are valued, trust deepens, collaboration is strengthened and timely course corrections encourage momentum. Everyone benefits when there is open communication and truth is shared freely.

How have you seen candor benefit a team?