This is my heaven, three dogs lying quietly at my feet. I always know what they want, outside, food, play or affection. They are transparent. Nothing is hidden.
Abby & Lua
Hattie Jane
Lately “transparency” is the buzz word that companies are using. Even the Government is using transparency. Look at any web site, brochure or talk to an HR person and you will hear about their transparency.
No company can truly be transparent and certainly no company wants to be transparent. Can you imagine the CEO explaining to the mail room guy why he is changing the direction of the company? Can you see an IT junkie saying “Wait a second let me look at those financial again. Something doesn’t look quite right to me.” I am not saying that transparency means that everyone should participate in the decision making but I am saying that transparency insinuates that we are participating in the decision making.
Back in the 80’s, yes I am that old, companies made decision in the executive wing or perhaps even in the executive wash room. You only knew about the decisions when it directly affects you or during the quarterly “round the troops up” meetings. It never bothered us because we weren’t told anything different. We were just told what to do and if we did not like it we went to another company but since they all were the same we stayed put.
The common wisdom for companies now is to talk about transparency, responsibility, home and work life balance, and participating in the future of the business. We all have heard this and for most of us know it isn’t true. For those of us that know it isn’t true, we know when we are being provoked like a service animal. We know we can’t respond the way we want to because we’re working. We are focusing on the task that we were hired to do. The antagonist thinks you don’t know you’re being poked through your collar so they keep doing it. All the while you understand the game and restrictions of the work-space. They assume your lack of r esponse is a sign of ignorance and it gives them leash-courage to continue. So, to me when I’m told a company is transparent, I wonder if that really means “We are SOoooo fucking with you and you SOoooo don’t know it”. Woof, Woof, GRrrrrrrrr.
Totally agree with you. Transparency right now is a buzzword that everyone wants (because of the media) but rare are those that know what it really means, and what its implications are.
Thank you for agreeing with my rant! Transparency is one of those words that just drives me crazy. Agile is another one going around now. I think they will be another post! Thank you again for reading!