When we hear the word transparency, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a buzzword. Something we say we value in workplaces, leadership teams, and community meetings. But at its heart, transparency is about something far more human: trust.
Transparency is the act of opening doors. It’s the willingness to make information accessible, to explain decisions with care, and to reflect openly on intentions and missteps. It is not easy. It is not always comfortable. And too often, it is the very thing we wish for most when we feel we’ve been left in the dark.
Why transparency is so challenging right now
We are navigating times of intense scrutiny and rapid change on campus, in our communities, and in local government and workplaces. We see how opaque communication breeds stress, fuels confusion, and erodes mental well-being. When decisions are made behind closed doors or when the reasoning for those decisions isn’t clear, we feel anxious, overlooked, and undervalued.
In my own journey working at the university, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial transparent communication is for building trust — whether it’s holding an in-person meeting to discuss a difficult change, facilitating a town-hall to gather feedback, or simply apologizing and taking responsibility. Supporting people’s well-being means holding space for their questions and their doubts, not just their accolades and achievements. As someone who also serves on the West Liberty City Council, I feel this constantly when residents ask for clarity on how decisions are made. It’s important for everyone to know why their voices matter, and for those in leadership to understand the value and benefits of including those they serve in the process.
When people don’t understand why a decision was reached, they fill the gaps with worry, speculation, or worse: mistrust. When they understand the process, even if they disagree, there is a foundation upon which we can build meaningful dialogue together.
Ways to practice transparency and care … every day
Here are practical steps you can take to foster transparency in your spheres of influence:
- Communicate early, even if imperfect. Waiting until something is “final” leaves people feeling locked out. Share your thinking early, imperfections and all.
- Use plain language. Avoiding jargon isn’t just about clarity. It’s about respect.
- Share why decisions matter. Explain not just what is happening, but what you hope it means for people and why you believe it matters.
- Invite questions … and answer them. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is say, “I don’t know yet, but I’m finding out.”
- Reflect publicly on missteps. Transparency grows trust when we acknowledge where we could have done better and how we are learning from it.
- Understand your audience. What feels open and respectful in one environment may feel abrupt or incomplete in another. Some people need more context, some need relational trust first, some want data and evidence.
- Ask for help. Asking your supervisor or trusted colleague for help is a sign of strength and professionalism. It can lead to better collaboration, reduce burnout, and prevent mistakes.
Self-care practices when transparency feels tough
To sustain your own well-being when you are dreading a difficult conversation:
- Pause and breathe before responding.
- Journal your intentions to clarify them before speaking.
- Practice empathetic listening. Listen to understand, not to reply.
- Seek support from trusted colleagues or mentors when you feel stuck.
- Take time to reflect after having challenging conversations.
Campus resources to support you
If conversations around transparency or communication leave you feeling stressed or overwhelmed, consider the following University of Iowa resources:
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for work and life stressors.
- Women’s Resource and Action Center: Confidential for students and staff needing emotional support and help finding resources.
- Office of the Ombudsperson: For neutral, confidential guidance on workplace concerns.
Transparency isn’t a policy or a slogan. It’s the everyday practice of choosing courage over convenience, clarity over ambiguity, and connection over isolation. When we make room for honest dialogue, even in difficult moments, we build workplaces, campuses, and communities that are not just efficient but places of authenticity and trust.
Photo credit: Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash