Opposites attract: Transparency and Confidentiality
Every group wants and needs good communication
It doesn’t matter what the size of the group is or how it’s structured; when human beings are together, communication is at the core of how things work or don't work. Whatever the group is (coalition, partnership, collective, committee, staff, board) communication is how we share information, talk with each other, create mutual understanding, and build trust.
Transparency and confidentiality: two types of good communication
Two seemingly opposite elements of communication are transparency and confidentiality. At times it is essential that we share information openly, widely and in various formats. Other times some information and decisions should remain confidential. Transparency and confidentiality work together to build that trust.
Transparency and confidentiality as a consultant
In my roles as a consultant, facilitator, and interim executive director, I am constantly working to determine what I need to communicate widely and what I need to keep confidential. I work with organizations to determine the same. I believe that clear, direct, transparent information should be shared in the ways and with the frequency that works best for various audiences (staff, board, volunteers, funders, community). I am staunchly committed to maintaining confidentiality for information that is not to be shared, being clear about why some information should remain confidential, and modeling this for others. I am always learning how to do this better and in ways that work for others.
How are you practicing transparency and confidentiality?
Here is a set of questions to ask yourself and your organization:
Do we have dedicated time and resources for communications?
Do we have a communications plan? Are we implementing that plan? Are we evaluating how we’re doing?
Is transparency and confidentiality built into our plan? How and when can we have a conversation about transparency and confidentiality?
Are we clear on what is best shared widely and openly? Do we share it?
Are we clear on what is best kept in confidence? Do we keep it confidential?
How can we do better with our communications, transparency, and confidentiality?