.png)
We recently had the privilege of presenting at the Civic Canopy Catalyzing Culture Change Conference in Aurora, Colorado. A space for nonprofit leaders to explore new ways to create change in their communities, our workshop focused on cultivating a holistic culture of collaboration.
Quality relationships enhance the effectiveness of collaborations. Transparency, honesty, and clarity are essential for quality relationships, fostering trust and mutual respect. Activists and transformative change leaders embody such practices to deepen emotional bonds, encourage genuine understanding, and build resilient communities. This challenges traditional approaches and emphasizes the necessity of emotional and relational aspects in the fight against oppression.
Relationships are at the core of our being and crucial to our personal and professional lives. Not only do they bring us fulfillment and joy, but they can help dismantle systemic inequalities and promote equity. Not all relationships are created equal. In the journey to personal and professional growth, it’s important to focus your time and energy on quality relationships - the kind of relationships that bring value to your life. Although we can’t always choose who we have to interact with, we can choose to navigate ALL relationships with love and kindness to create strong, quality relationships all around.
There are three fundamental principles for nurturing quality relationships: transparency, honesty, and clarity. Relationships without these tenets tend to flounder and lack the depth you deserve in your personal and professional relationships. These are essential for fostering trust, mutual respect, and genuine connection, paving the way for a holistic culture of collaboration.
Transparency: The Foundation of Trust
Strong relationships are transparent in nature. The brujas like to revisit the dictionary definition of words to ground us in the foundation of the word. The definition of transparent is: free from pretense or deceit; characterized by the visibility or accessibility of information
With this foundation, we can practice transparency by being open and communicative about our intentions, feelings, and actions in our relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and our family/friends Transparency builds trust by ensuring others that no hidden agendas or concealed motives exist. This creates a safe environment for vulnerability, which is crucial for deep, meaningful relationships. It’s about being authentic and letting others see the real you - and then others want to do the same!
For many of us, we choose to keep our true selves concealed at work. Whether for fear of rejection, judgment, or just a desire to maintain healthy boundaries. While it is important to have healthy boundaries and curate the parts of you you choose to share, you rob yourself of true relationship when you don’t place transparency at the forefront.
bell hooks argues that true intimacy and connection are only possible when individuals are willing to reveal their true selves, including their vulnerabilities and imperfections. Without such openness, relationships remain superficial and cannot reach their full potential.
In order to be truly fulfilled at work, your relationships must be built on transparency. This doesn’t mean you have to reveal everything about yourself, but it does require showing up authentically and sharing parts of you that foster genuine connections. By doing so, you create a foundation of trust that allows for true growth and development on a personal, professional, and spiritual level. At By the Brujas, we believe that embracing transparency and authenticity in your work relationships not only enhances your professional environment but also enriches your overall life experience. Commit to showing up fully, and building deeper connections, and you will foster an environment where everyone can thrive.
Honesty: The Bedrock of Integrity
To be truly transparent with your team, you need to have integrity and be honest. This approach not only strengthens your interpersonal relationships but also gives you the confidence to get the work done, knowing you are operating from a place of honesty.
The definition of honesty: adherence to the facts; fairness and straightforwardness of conduct
Practicing truthfulness and integrity in our interactions ensures that our communication is genuine and reliable. To have quality relationships, folks need to be in an environment where they feel valued, and as safe as possible. Honesty is more than just telling the truth - it includes being upfront about our feelings and intentions to cultivate trust. This is important in all relationships, not just the ones at work!
adrienne maree brown, a scholar and activist, advocates for radical honesty, where individuals commit to sharing their truths, even when it is uncomfortable. This practice, she believes, fosters deeper connections and collective growth, enabling relationships to navigate conflicts with grace and understanding.
Clarity: The Key to Understanding
Clarity is kindness. - Brene Brown
When working with teams and individuals, clarity is of the utmost priority. The definition of clarity: the quality of being easily understood; the state of having a full, detailed, and orderly mental grasp of something
In any workplace, regardless of intention and dedication, mistakes are bound to happen. There will inevitably be confusion and misunderstanding regarding day-to-day tasks. While it can be frustrating, it’s important to navigate these moments from a point of clarity.
Clear communication allows us to express our thoughts and feelings effectively and prevents misunderstandings and misinterpretations. When everyone is informed and aware, confusion is reduced and creates space for constructive conversations and collaborations to flourish. As leaders, we set the tone for our team by communicating in a way that is clear and kind.
Kimberlé Crenshaw reminds us that to practice clarity, we must also acknowledge intersectional identities, and how power dynamics operate. When we acknowledge these things, the gift of clarity can be a tool for relational change.
Transparency, honesty, and clarity are essential practices for nurturing quality relationships. These principles encourage a culture of openness and mutual respect, where individuals feel seen and heard.
Embracing Radical Honesty and Transparency with By the Brujas
By the Brujas can help leaders promote this kind of communication through our workshops and 1:1 coaching. We understand how challenging it can be for teams to navigate the complexities of transparency, honesty, and clarity. Our tailored workshops provide leaders with practical tools and strategies to foster an environment where these values thrive. Through personalized 1:1 coaching, we support leaders in developing the confidence and skills to bring radical honesty and transparency to their teams.
Our approach is designed to transform workplaces into spaces where authentic communication flourishes and relationships are strengthened. We believe that by embracing these principles, leaders can create a culture of trust and collaboration that drives both personal and professional growth.
Tune in to the By the Brujas podcast, where we delve into topics like this and help bring MAGIC to your work, life, and everything in between. We also offer free consultations to help individuals and teams on their journey to heal their relationship with work and bring balance to all aspects of life. Let us support you in fostering environments where everyone can thrive.
Comments