​You can’t expect those around you to be transparent if you’re not. People become comfortable with transparency when they become comfortable with and trusting of those around them. In organizations, that only happens when the leaders demonstrate transparency themselves and prove trustworthy to those who follow suit. This aspect of leadership comes quite naturally to me, though like any strength, it becomes a weakness when taken to extremes. To this point, Elaine once asked me, “do you ever have an unspoken thought?” That was many years ago and I’m still trying to come up with my one unspoken thought so I can speak it and remove all doubt.

A former employer once brought his “alcoholic bag” to my attention. His addiction had cost him dearly, but he was on the road to recovery and seeking a new job as a software developer. He could have tried to hide the truth, but his 12 Steps training had taught him otherwise.