Few things are more frustrating to IT professionals than a lack of transparency from their leaders. Managers, directors, and owners can sometimes hold their cards too close to their chests and not realize that they're effecting their team’s engagement. For professionals to be truly invested in their work, they need to know that they're on the same page with the leaders. This means understanding the vision, goals, and roadmap.

Utilize the 10 principles below to help IT employees feel encouraged and productive.

Own Your Moves

Many leaders mandate accountability from their team members but struggle to stay accountable with the team as well. Since employees won't usually ask for accountability from their managers, this has to start with you. Owning your mistakes isn't just about setting the bar high; it's about building a fortress of trust and respect. It tells your team that you're all in this together, and everyone can be open about their wins and losses.

Crystal Clear Communication

Without clear communication, it will be difficult for all team members to be on the same page. As the leader, you have to communicate effectively with all team members and encourage this with everyone. Set the standard of work clearly. Everyone should be able to freely communicate with the rest of the team. Transparent leaders always ensure that no one is left in the dark, puzzled, or lost in translation.

Open Doors and Minds

Create an environment where ideas float freely, questions are welcomed, and creativity knows no bounds. Openness fuels innovation and keeps the team's engine roaring with motivation. This transparency will also allow employees to feel more involved with the success of the business.

Be There, Virtually

In remote teams, being accessible takes on a whole new meaning. Whether it's a quick message, a virtual coffee chat, or a collaborative brainstorming session, your virtual presence reassures your team that you're always within reach.

Listen to Your Team

It's not just about hearing words but understanding the stories behind them. Transparent leaders are adept listeners, turning feedback into action and concerns into solutions, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

Democratize Decision-Making

Inclusivity not only enriches the decision-making process but also cements a sense of ownership and unity within the team. Transparent leaders take into account what their team communicates. Transparency is not only about letting everyone know what you want but also about involving people in the growth of the company.

Empathy is Key

For some, empathy is lost when dealing with virtual teams since you don't engage with them in person. Sometimes this engagement can only happen through chat. Recognizing the challenges and pressures faced by your team, especially in these hybrid times, can bridge distances, creating a bond that transcends digital barriers. The best leaders understand their members' situations and effectively navigate them empathically.

Feedback As a Growth Catalyst

Accepting feedback is a pillar of workplace transparency. Constructive feedback is the fuel that propels individuals and teams toward excellence, especially in remote teams.

Knowledge Sharing is Caring

In the transparent leader's playbook, knowledge is not power unless shared. Regular updates on organizational changes, project progress, and relevant news keep the team in sync, quashing rumors and solidifying unity.

Walk The Talk

Ultimately, transparent leaders are the embodiment of their expectations. By living the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability, they inspire their teams to mirror these principles, creating a culture where trust and openness flourish. What type of leader would you want to follow? There's no doubt that the answer to this question includes someone transparent. You want to know the person who's leading you and be able to trust them. So, the best thing you can do is put effort into connecting with your team, which is especially difficult in remote IT teams. But following the 10 principles above, you can become a leader you would want to follow.