The Importance of Honesty in the Workplace
At times, honesty in the office can be better in theory than in practice. Employees sometimes avoid voicing opinions, disappointments, frustrations, or general ideas to modify or change company’s operating procedures. Instead, these opinions and ideas may progress through the office environment in a series of conversations with other employees, forms of gossip, or underlying internal frustration. When this is the case, the problem has no viable outlet to be fixed or solved. If companies really want to evolve and grow, they must be open to hearing the truth from employees, even if it is brutally honest. Creating an atmosphere of honesty also fosters an environment for self-accountability and responsibility. In an article by Jayme Check in Business Week, he states “ [these] comments are brutally honest, wonderfully refreshing – and necessary.” Check’s article focuses on the overhaul of a company whose new CEO voiced the shortcomings of company performance, and the commitment to change what was not working. It was shocking to hear some of the brutally honest realities of their company’s flaws, but it also empowered employees to step up and fix the problems.
The more transparent the work environment, the happier the employees are. The happier employees are, the more productive they are. Ultimately, honesty builds trust in the company and confidence in leadership. Voicing the truth enables all of us to identify the issue, and work as a team to better it.
A few tips to create an honest environment in your workplace:
Leave the judgment at the door
It is important to give each other the freedom to be honest, even if we don’t agree with their assessment. Making an employee feel that their opinion is judged will not foster an environment where they feel open to express their ideas and/or concerns.
Clear the Pipes
In our office, at the end of team meeting, we conclude the portion with a “clear the pipes section.” This gives members of the team an opportunity to voice opinions, frustrations, or to just get some things off their chest. It bonds the team itself because we know that we can express ourselves to our colleagues.
Implementation is key
It is important that you don’t just give people an outlet or a forum to express their opinions, but you actually DO something about their opinions. If employees see that their opinions and thoughts matter, and leadership and staff take the steps to improve or implement their ideas, they will be empowered. Empowered employees are employees that perform above and beyond, and feel a strong sense of loyalty to their company.
Hold employees responsible
If an employee wants to voice an opinion, be it good or bad, they need to back up their opinions with facts and substance. Griping just to gripe does not get anyone anywhere. Employees should be prepared to offer solutions to the issues they see. If they can’t help find the solution, then they certainly can’t be expressing what needs to be changed.
Communicate the positive AND the negative
At the end of the day, there will always be things that need improved. But there are so many things that are done well, and that voice should always be heard from employees and leadership. Whether it is through an e-mail, newsletter, or quarterly staff meeting, everyone should say what they think is working, and perhaps what is not working. It’s important to focus on the positive, as well as acknowledge the negative. Communication is the most important way to foster this honest environment.
The Culture Counts blog is a discussion of law firm culture and legal innovation, including topics such as effective leadership, employee engagement, workplace culture, ideal work environment, company core values, and workplace productivity.
Sign up for and explore our content and thought leadership here.
About the Firm:
Klemchuk LLP is a litigation, intellectual property, transactional, and international business law firm dedicated to protecting innovation. The firm provides tailored legal solutions to industries including software, technology, retail, real estate, consumer goods, ecommerce, telecommunications, restaurant, energy, media, and professional services. The firm focuses on serving mid-market companies seeking long-term, value-added relationships with a law firm. Learn more about experiencing law practiced differently and our local counsel practice.
The firm publishes Intellectual Property Trends (latest developments in IP law), Conversations with Innovators (interviews with thought leaders), Leaders in Law (insights from law leaders), Culture Counts (thoughts on law firm culture and business), and Legal Insights (in-depth analysis of IP, litigation, and transactional law).