CEO Message 24 – Transparency

By definition, Transparency is the quality that makes something obvious or easy to understand and operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed.  Transparency implies openness, communication, and accountability.  These are good things!

But……what does it mean?  More to the point, what does it mean to us?  We talk often about our credit union’s purpose and WHY we do the things we do.  Explaining the why is an important part of making sure we remain transparent within the organization.  What about externally, to our members?  Attaching our mission and purpose to every behavior we exhibit allows us to create a method of public transparency.

If you guessed there is probably more to this, you are right.  The best way to be transparent, both internally and externally, is to simply be authentic.  Members can spot a fraud pretty easily.  Most people can.  So instead of trying to do what every business consultant suggests and “Put Your Best Face Forward”, just “Put Your Real Face Forward”.  It takes a lot less energy and has a greater impact on those you come in contact with.