Candor is one of the most misunderstood words in the English language. The word comes from the Latin word meaning “whiteness, brilliance, unstained purity,” and has evolved to mean speaking openly and honestly. The mantra following the banking scandals of the last decade is the need for candor and transparency.

The only effective way to listen when practicing critique is to slow down, suspend reaction, and judgment, and give the person speaking your undivided attention.

If an organization’s shared attitudes and opinions are stifling creativity-the key ingredient in innovative, high-productivity companies-managers must lead the effort to change group norms.

No two relationships are the same. Our relationships are as unique as our individual personalities. Think of the journey of your strongest relationships. Those you value most likely evolved over time and included a fair amount of conflict.

Over the past two decades, participative, team-oriented management has significantly improved the quality of organization life while enhancing productivity, efficiency and creativity. Many organizations report substantial contributions to bottom line results through consistent application of open leadership practices

Culture is the sum of collective attitudes, values, norms, traditions, precedents, and past practices that exist in relationships. It is the most powerful force available to help or hinder candor. Culture influences performance standards, how people communicate, make decisions, seek innovation, and address conflict–all of the components that are critical to success.

Our experience and research have led us to conclude that the relative ineffectiveness of current educational and training programs is an inevitable result of the character of the teacher-student relationship in the traditional class or training room.

The only effective way to listen when practicing critique is to slow down, suspend reaction, and judgment, and give the person speaking your undivided attention.