As we approach our first Power Hour for the Calgary Chamber of Commerce members, it’s the perfect time to delve into the essential theme of our discussion: Candor. Within the dynamic modern business landscape, leaders are tasked with setting the tone for organizational culture as much as they are with guiding their teams through myriad challenges and critical decisions. Across all of these responsibilities, candor stands out as indispensable. Without candor, open, honest, and productive communication are rendered impossible which all but cripples an organization’s ability to grow, thrive, and even sustain itself through any volatility. Today, candor isn’t a “nice to have”, rather it is a critical component of successful, ethical, and lasting business. Before we delve into the multifaceted importance of candor and explore its impact on individual leaders, whole teams, and indeed entire organizations, let’s talk about what I mean by candor, and what candor means in business today.
Especially in professional settings, candor has undergone a significant evolution over the past two decades. Candor is not just about honesty or being direct and open. It’s too nuanced to be equated to any word that shows up as a synonym in a thesaurus. Candor is about being open and honest, sure, but always with due care. Here are some key shifts and developments that have been instrumental in reshaping the way candor is understood, practiced, and valued in the modern business environment:
1. An increased emphasis on transparency and evolving leadership paradigms
Companies are expected to be open and honest about their operations, products, and practices. This heightened demand for transparency has resulted in an equally buoyed demand for candor from organizations as employees, customers/clients, prospects, investors, and the general public become increasingly more discerning with where they place their trust and support.
Similarly, in contrast with the more traditional, stoic, arm’s-length leadership styles of the past, modern leadership paradigms have shifted towards placing higher value on vulnerability and authenticity. As a result, leaders who are candid about their own challenges and uncertainties set a tone that encourages open communication at all levels of the organization.
2. The introduction of “flat” organizational models
The hierarchical, top-down management structures that prevailed short decades ago have given way to flatter, more collaborative ones. Within these contexts, individuals at all levels interact with one another more often and more authentically than in prior generations. As such, employees feel more comfortable to voice their opinions and ideas, fostering a culture of open communication and ideally fueling a more cooperative company culture.
3. The pervasive impact of social media
The advent of digital technology, specifically social media platforms, has revolutionized the way in which information is shared, consumed, and questioned. Within this new context, businesses are under constant public scrutiny, and this has led to a heightened awareness of the importance of truthful and transparent communication. Previously, depending on the event or issue, remaining silent was a more realistic and even effective containment or damage control tactic. In stark contrast, the tech of today has spurred companies to opt for more honest, timely responses lest they be caught in anything that would constitute a lie of omission.
4. The rise of Globalization and DEI initiatives
The globalization of businesses means that companies often operate in diverse cultural contexts. As such, leaders have had to become comfortable working with various communication styles and social norms across different regions and demographics. Organizations have had to attune themselves to cultural sensitivities while still upholding the principles of openness and honesty.
As borders become blurry and distances easier to traverse—virtually or otherwise—workforces have become increasingly diverse. Perhaps as a result of this as much as in response to the overall social climate, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become a central theme in contemporary business, further cementing candor as being of utmost importance. Candor fosters an inclusive environment where all voices are heard, and where individuals feel comfortable expressing their perspectives and concerns.
For the purposes of this article, I am concerned only with what constructive candor looks like in 2023 and what it’s evolving towards into the future. Genuine candor is not just about speaking up, it’s also about creating an environment where everyone feels safe to do so. It has just as much of a role to play for people receiving messages as those relaying them. It’s about entering into conversations with curiosity rather than judgment and bias.
Having acknowledged some of the context leading to the definition of candor as it exists today, and some of the reasons it’s become more important than ever, we can begin to discuss the critical role candor plays in leadership and business.
It Builds a Foundation of Trust
Candor serves as the cornerstone upon which trust is built. When leaders communicate transparently, they demonstrate integrity and show their teams they value honesty over superficial harmony. This fosters an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves and know that their opinions are valued, their concerns considered valid, and voices will be heard. Trust engendered through candor leads to enhanced team cohesion, increased job satisfaction, and ultimately, higher productivity.
It Encourages a Culture of Innovation
Innovation thrives in environments that embrace candor, and innovation yields progress. When leaders encourage open dialogue and value diverse perspectives, they are cultivating creativity by providing fertile ground for outside-of-the-box thinking to flourish. This makes employees more likely to share their unconventional ideas because they know their contributions will be met with thoughtful consideration rather than dismissal. This culture of openness enables organizations to adapt to change, identify emerging opportunities, and stay ahead of the curve in rapidly evolving marketplaces.
It Catalyzes Inclusion
Candor acts as a beacon, inviting individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to contribute their unique insights. This is invaluable since diversity in terms of thoughts and perspectives results in a wellspring of innovation and resilience. When employees feel free to express themselves authentically, it fosters an inclusive environment which, in turn, leads to a richer tapestry of ideas and approaches. Taken together, this drives individual teams and entire organizations towards a more sustainable and adaptable future.
It Eases Navigation of Complex Challenges
In today’s fast-paced business world, leaders often face challenges that require nimble decision-making. Candor plays a pivotal role in helping leaders navigate these complexities. Open and honest communication ensures that all relevant information is brought to the forefront, which enables leaders to consider the maximum number of variables and possibilities before making well-informed decisions. Furthermore, candor allows for constructive feedback, enabling course corrections and mitigating or even preventing missteps that could lead to costly consequences.
It Promotes a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is essential for both individual and organizational development. Leaders who embody candor set the example for continuous learning and improvement. By acknowledging their own vulnerabilities and limitations, they create a culture wherein everyone is encouraged to seek clarity in moments of confusion or conflict, and gradual self-improvement in the long term. In turn, this leads to a more adaptable and resilient organization that is better equipped to weather challenges and seize opportunities.
It Limits Organizational Silos
Silos can be detrimental to organizational effectiveness, stifling collaboration and hindering the flow of information. Candor is a powerful tool towards dismantling these barriers to progress and productivity. When leaders foster an environment of open communication, they break down silos by encouraging cross-functional teams to work together towards common goals. This integrated approach not only enhances output but also leads to a more cohesive and unified organizational culture.
It Fosters Ethical Leadership
Ethical leadership is paramount in maintaining the integrity of an organization. Leaders who practice candor, both internally and outwardly, uphold ethical standards by being transparent about their decision-making and taking responsibility for the outcomes. This level of openness helps to build a culture of accountability, ensuring that all team members understand the ethical expectations and are empowered to uphold them.
It Mitigates Risks and Nurtures Accountability
In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, the ability to identify and mitigate risks is paramount. Candor plays a pivotal role in risk management by encouraging employees to openly communicate potential vulnerabilities and concerns. This proactive approach allows organizations to implement preemptive measures and safeguard against unforeseen challenges. Furthermore, a culture of candor cultivates a sense of accountability among team members, ensuring that responsibilities are shouldered collectively, and mistakes are acknowledged and rectified swiftly.
Effective leadership can determine an organization’s success. At the heart of this leadership lies candor, the art of open and honest communication. Candor builds trust, encourages innovation, catalyzes inclusion, and enables leaders to navigate complex challenges with wisdom and agility. It fosters a growth mindset, mitigates organizational silos, and nurtures ethical leadership. In embracing candor, leaders lay the foundation for a thriving, adaptable, and resilient organization that is poised for long-term success.
