Open, clear and honest information sharing is critical if not the most important underpinning of high performing teams.  Have you ever been surprised when finding out information that was intentionally withheld?

Unfortunately using information to gain leverage (i.e., a power play) is all too common.  Often justified by classifying the information as political, private or confidential.

Many times this classification is just rationalization, to hide the real purpose.  That is using information for personal gain.  I often interract with people who salivate over the opportunity to aquire secret information.

Is sharing always good?

Is there any information you should not share with others?  My own view is no, everything can and should be shared.  This view is not widely held.

Laywers frequently advise clients to remain silent.  The argument is to do otherwise could work against you, particularly in the case of active law suites (as one example).

For me that misused phrase “The truth will set you free” is actually valid.  I say misused, in recognition of the dictators and despots that have used it throughout human history have not always had good intentions.

I have been labled naive, but my own real experience has been, the outcomes, particularly in team and organizational environments, are  consistently better when information is shared as it becomes known, whether good or bad.

It is not about the nature of the information but rather the message sent when secret information does not exist.

How many people feel good when someone says to them slyly, “Interesting thinking, too bad you don’t know what I know.  Unfortunately what I know is special information exclusive to the powerful people, so I cannot share it with the likes of you”.

Oh yeah, that is motivating.