DEJ Post #9: Transparency and Authenticity

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While reading this text, several points resonated strongly with me. First, the concept of establishing credibility by under-promising and over-delivering is compelling. In my engineering entrepreneurship class, it’s clear how challenging it can be to not only recognize a product’s limitations but also share those weaknesses with investors and consumers. When pitching products, the natural inclination is to highlight every positive feature and potential, not the areas where it falls short. Yet, the honesty in acknowledging limitations can ultimately strengthen credibility and build trust with stakeholders.

Another valuable takeaway is the emphasis on accountability. When mistakes are made, taking responsibility by openly communicating what went wrong and explaining the reasoning behind certain decisions is essential. This ability to self-reflect and assess one’s role in a larger issue is an important skill for leaders and is essential for ethical leadership. 

Lastly, I appreciated the point that KIND values collaborative decision-making with its trading partners. This approach creates a community-driven framework for problem-solving and helps build a sense of shared purpose and motivation for outsourced teams. It not only enhances partnerships but also promotes alignment on values, strengthening the ethical foundation of the organization.

In summary, I found this section insightful and informative, answering many questions I had about implementing ethics and values in the workplace. The guidance on credibility, accountability, and collaboration provides a practical blueprint for transparent ethical leadership.

Source: Lubetzky, D. (2015). Transparency and Authenticity: The Value of OpenCommication. Ballentine Books. https://moodle-courses2425.wolfware.ncsu.edu/pluginfile.php/654233/mod_resource/content/2/Lubetzky_Do_The_Kind_Thing_Chap7_Transparency%20and%20Authenticity.pdf