Last month I was able to share with you the principles of Emotional Intelligence, and how the faculty and students within the College of Dental Medicine strive to practice and live these principles every day. These principles are broadly applicable to any person, regardless of their position or profession.
At Roseman University, we strive to make every interaction reflect a sincere desire to develop each other as Lifelong Colleagues. While our Lifelong Colleague Commitment defines what we are striving for, it is the principles of Emotional Intelligence that describe how we can achieve that commitment. To that end, transparency is a significant player. As we strive for personal growth and to encourage collegial development, let us act with honor, integrity, honesty, and transparency, for these are traits that build trust and are shared values upon which Roseman University of Health Sciences will thrive.
I know a man who is a remarkable leader and has seen great success in life. When asked to identify the secret of his success, he simply explains that he surrounds himself with people of integrity. In his concluding interview with every new hire, he asks, “Can I trust you?” He not only asks the question once, but during the course of the interview, he intentionally asks it three times. By doing so, he establishes his expectation of integrity, and underscores the importance of a shared values system that includes honor, honesty, and transparency.
Transparency is the optical outcome of honor, integrity, and honesty. Transparency is consistently acting in harmony with established values and demonstrating behavior that is easy for others to interpret. It is doing what one says they will do, without disingenuousness or deception. Transparency dissuades masquerading behind a smokescreen of pleasing words, intended to tickle, placate, or appease, while concealing an ulterior agenda. Transparency is sharing information for the good of the organization even if the news is occasionally the unpleasant truth. A person with transparency nurtures an authentic openness with others despite the risk of unprotected vulnerability. Such a person does not deliberately mislead, misinform, or misrepresent.
Author
L. Kris Munk, DDS, MS
Associate Dean for Graduate Education and the Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Roseman University of Health Sciences