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.

Tim's Message:

To me, transparency in a company means openness, communication, accountability, and trust. Not only is transparency important in business, but in all successful relationships in our lives. I never put a name to it, but I practiced transparency as I raised my daughters as a single father. I always wanted to be open with them about my feelings, whatever we were talking about. I tried to communicate to them in a clear manner, so I could see they understood, always sharing the why, possible pitfalls, rewards, and the goal. Equally important, I always took the time to truly listen to what they were feeling, their why and what their desired outcome was. We would engage and discuss options moving forward as it related to the topic. I usually empowered them to make the final decision if it was their issue, and 99% of the time they made good decisions.  We cheered our successes and worked together to overcome our obstacles and/or mistakes (yes, I made mistakes. I spent a lot of time apologizing to those two). It has built what I feel is a strong relationship and mutual respect and trust that we will enjoy for a lifetime.

Famous’ Culture promotes transparency and so much more.  We are a very unique company. When I interview potential associates, my favorite part is describing our culture. When I talk about our transparency throughout the company, I share that each of us knows the company goals and purpose. We each understand our role, have a voice, and can make a difference, and when I tell them this, I see their eyes light up. Our culture sells the company to someone looking for a career and a place to call home. Dale Kosco recently moved from Cleveland West to the CDC (Central Distribution Center). When he was the CSM in Cleveland, he did an outstanding job at being transparent as a manager, a person, and promoted the same with all the associates. When you walked into the branch you felt the teamwork, and genuine affection and trust the associates had for each other. We all need to be as transparent as possible throughout the company. It is not just the responsibility of the management team. If we practice this every day, at work with each other, with our customers, at home and with the people we care about, we will all build strong relationships that can last a lifetime.

Thank you and Have a Great Day.