30. Practice Transparency.

With appropriate respect for confidentiality, share information freely. Learn to ask yourself, “Who else needs to know this?” The more people know, the better we can collaborate, and the better we can serve our customers.

Jim's Message:

Transparency in business is clear, unhindered honesty in interactions with colleagues and customers. Transparency is a necessity in our daily work. It enables collaboration, cooperation and collective decision-making, which are paramount to our company’s culture.

Changes in technology have made data more abundant and available. The opportunity to conceal information has been drastically reduced. Companies trying to be deceptive and deceitful will be quickly discovered. Far too often, we see news of companies using transparency as an afterthought. Whether owning up to a mistake, or righting a previous wrong, these organizations use transparency as a solution to a problem.

By freely sharing knowledge, lessons learned, successes and opportunities, you perpetuate our culture of transparency. This transparency builds trust. Taking ownership of building and maintaining trust begins with each of us, and benefits the entire organization and our customers.

As we strive to do the best by each other, our efforts are reflected through improved service and increased customer loyalty. We must walk the walk, and talk the talk, if we’d like to see our words and actions continue to positively impact our business.

I look forward to continuing to work alongside each of you as we make transparency a part of our daily routines.