Transparent Ties: How Openness Strengthens Relationships

People’s relationships seem to benefit from openness. More open people are better able to tolerate different opinions because they are willing to accept that they might be wrong. Open people are less likely to have conflicts with others than those who are not as open. People who have a high level of openness are also less prejudiced. It’s no surprise that open people tend to have more fulfilling relationships with others. People tend to like and get along better with them.

Openness, which is based on developing deeper ties, is usually the last phase that emerges in the development or continuation of a relationship. It has to do with how we embrace one another, literally or metaphorically.

Why openness is inevitable today

In our fast-paced, information-rich world where the right to access information is a fundamental human right guaranteed by many constitutions of nations, openness has become uncontroversial. It also covers some psychological needs for calm and assurance. A culture that is open and empowered builds trust in a community. People want to be a part of something worthwhile at work, and they want to feel safe. This can develop a mature culture of accountability and shared ownership if it is led and supported properly.

The more common this practice becomes, the less likely things will be hidden or kept back. Employees are more likely to share. It becomes easier and safer to share information as this is normalized.