Transparency and trust are inextricably linked in leadership – transparency on the part of the leader to warrant trust from the constituent. Trustworthiness is a critical character trait for those that want to lead. People only accept the leadership or influence of those that they trust. Research consistently shows that trust is one of the most highly demanded traits that people expect from a leader. And this is logical; as a matter of self-protection we are not likely to follow someone that we are not sure can be trusted.

Stephen M. R. Covey describes 13 behaviors of leaders that build trust:

1. Talk Straight
2. Demonstrate Respect
3. Create Transparency
4. Right Wrongs
5. Show Loyalty
6. Deliver Results
7. Get Better
8. Confront Reality
9. Clarify Expectation
10. Practice Accountability
11. Listen First
12. Keep Commitments
13. Extend Trust

The most important behavior, it would seem, is transparency. In a recent article on Leadership and Character I wrote about the inner realm and the outer realm of character, that is, the character within us and the character that is apparent or demonstrated to constituents. People make decisions of trust based on what they see and experience. And if they sense that the inner realm and the outer realm are not congruent, they are not likely to trust.

Some of the components of leadership transparency include:

• Communication – consistent communications so that constituents do not feel they are in the dark
• Candor – open communications that includes the good news and the bad
• Visibility – see and be seen, let them see you operate
• Consistency – always the same so that they know what to expect, what is real
• Explain decisions – no pronouncements from on high, show them the thought process
• Admit mistakes – let them know that you are human and humble
• Engagement – build relationships that extend beyond the day-to-day tasks

Of course, the assumption is that through transparency we show high quality character that can be trusted, traits such as integrity, passion, vision, etc.

Are you building relationships of trust? Are there other important elements of transparency?