The Trust Factor: Why Transparency is Non-Negotiable

allynitschke
17 hours ago
2 min read

There’s a phrase I often share with leaders: trust travels at the speed of transparency. And nowhere is this truer than with Millennials and Gen Z.

For previous generations, leaders could get away with vague messaging or polished corporate spin. That’s gone. Younger employees have grown up in the age of instant information. They’ve learned to fact-check, to question, and to expect authenticity. If leaders hide behind jargon or withhold the truth, trust evaporates instantly.

Why Transparency Matters Now

Trust is the currency of leadership. Without it, connection frays, performance dips, and retention drops. Transparency is how that trust is earned and sustained. For younger workers, it looks like:

Honest communication about priorities and decisions.
Visibility of workload expectations.
Openness about career progression and opportunities.

Deloitte’s 2024 Millennial and Gen Z survey found that 63% of respondents cited lack of transparency from leadership as a key reason for disengagement. That’s a red flag leaders can’t ignore.

A Story of Transparency in Action

One consulting firm I worked with faced rising attrition among younger consultants. The common complaint? “I don’t know how to get promoted, and I don’t know what’s expected.” Leadership responded by introducing an open progression framework, complete with clear criteria and visible workload dashboards. They also held regular “ask me anything” forums where no question was off-limits.

The result? Attrition fell by almost 20% in a year, and employee trust scores jumped. Transparency didn’t just build trust, it rebuilt credibility.

How Leaders Can Embed Transparency

Tell the truth, even when it’s tough. If a project is at risk, say so. If the strategy has changed, explain why.
Make the invisible visible. Share workload data, promotion criteria, and decision-making processes.
Invite feedback. Transparency is two-way. Create space for questions and respond with honesty.

Final Thought

Transparency isn’t a leadership “nice-to-have.” It’s the foundation of trust. And in a workforce that won’t tolerate smoke and mirrors, leaders who stay vague will lose credibility fast.

The leaders who thrive will be those who embrace transparency, even when it’s uncomfortable, and use it to build workplaces where trust isn’t just expected, it’s earned daily.

If you would like to book in a time to speak with Ally: CLICK HERE.

Ally Nitschke is a best-selling Author, an award-winning Thought Leader and Speaker. She has been working with leaders and as a Leader for over 20 years.

She is on a mission to change the way we communicate at work, to lean into those uncomfortable conversations and lead with courage.

Ally is a Keynote Speaker at conferences, delivers Transformational Programs & highly engaging workshops as well as provides Executive Coaching.