How do you communicate transparently with customers?

Following a personal brand leadership model, you will have more clarity on who you are, what you stand for and how you best serve people. Sharing those values not just in words, but in your daily actions are what will set you apart as a leader.

Clearly articulate your vision for the future of the organization or team, including the goals and outcomes you want to achieve. Then, identify the core values that guide your decisions and actions, such as integrity, accountability, and respect. And, finally, communicate your vision and values to your team and stakeholders, and make them a central part of your messaging and communication.

It’s easy to promote your successes, but admitting your failures builds trust especially when you don’t make the same exact mistake again. Being a leader is about honesty and integrity. Everyone makes mistakes or fails, but the ones that admit it, can more easily bring others together to overcome obstacles.

When you share failures and what you've learned from them. It makes you human. - First, list out all past failures and what you’ve learned from them. - See how you can share it with your colleagues/clients to help support them. For example, I have shared with clients I’ve been fired and let go from past jobs. All those experiences taught me what was important for me the it came to my next experience. And now as a Business and Executive Career Coach I can easily relate and empathize with my clients and they can see me not just as an expert but also as a human who makes mistakes, and learns from them

I agree with Dan. At least 30% of my lectures to students consist of me sharing my mistakes. I know I am young, and giving people context on why me to teach them gives me legitimacy to speak about complex things like - choosing the wrong business partner, not listening to feedback, being in love with my idea, etc. I conclude with saying that everyone they will ever meet will be a person. No reason to fear, just learn and progress. 🙂

I've found that if you live by "honesty is the best policy" customers will appreciate you more. I always advise my team and have even told customers directly that "all companies fail at something at some point no matter who they are", "the best companies pin point the failure, own up to it, fix it, communicate it and move on". There is no real long term value in hiding a failure or blaming others for it. In fact, in my experience going through the process in a very transparent way often results in better relationships.

When you have ideas, be sure to involve other team members. For example, “I’m thinking we do this (insert details). I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback.” In this way it creates a collaborative effort and it makes it easier for new projects and ideas to be accomplished.

The maxim "Publish or Perish" that describes the pressure to publish is no longer solely an academic woe. Today's top companies and executives are expected to have a strong professional brand along with a robust, social media presence, full of consistent thought leadership posts and articles that justify their expertise and expand their relevance. Finding the time is difficult, but fortunately, frequent communication will provide positive results and is worth it.

It also demonstrates that you want to have strong people in your team to help you. Business needs pillars (more than one) not lone rangers.

Asking employees for their help and/or feedback is an underrated leadership tool. Having conversations about strategy or asking for your employees' help is the easiest way to get buy-in from them. Most people are more engaged in solutions when they were part of designing it. It also helps your employees feel like you recognize and value their perspective.

One of the most valuable traits a leader can have is vulnerability. When you readily own your shortcomings, your authenticity will allow you to better connect with those around you. No one is perfect and it can often be easier to relate to people's flaws than to their strengths.