The Transparent Leader: How to Build a Great Company Through Straight Talk, Openness, and Accountability

by Herb Baum, Tammy Kling

It seems that over the past few years these words didn't mean very much. From Enron to WorldCom, corporate America was rocked with scandal after scandal. Employees lost their savings and jobs, investors lost their shirts, and the public lost their confidence in big business -- the foundation of this nation's well-being.

In his new book, The Transparent Leader, Herb Baum, CEO of the Dial Corporation, brings us back to the basics of transparency and good corporate behavior. In his folksy, down-to-earth style, Baum reminds us of the way things used to be, and he teaches corporate executives how to be transparent leaders and in turn create transparent companies. Using examples from his experience at Dial, Campbell Soup Company, and Quaker State, Baum shows readers:


The Power of Transparency -- the crucial components of a transparent organization, including the qualities of transparent leaders and employees and how they can benefit your company

The Pillars of Transparency -- integrity, honesty, quality corporate governance, and effective communication

How to execute transparency in the organization through real-life examples.
By applying these ideas to your own work life, you will become an open and transparent leader, setting an example for the employees in your organization to follow. The transparent leader is the cornerstone of a transparent and in turn successful company.

In this day and age, the only way to succeed in the business world is to stick to the rules of transparency. And if you don't, bad business practices will eventually return to haunt you and your organization.

Genres: Leadership

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Transparent Leader has a good moral center, but I think could have been better served by an essay length writing rather than the length presented in this book. Many of the same thoughts and ideas are repeated, oftentimes with little reason. Herb's commitment to an ethical life is exemplary, and all leaders should take this path.

[Israel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book, very detailed with many examples on why transparency in leadership wins the long game.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and referred back to this book to help me when I was leading a sales team from 2007-12. It applies to life just as much as to managing a team; I appreciate the writing style and most of all, the messages imparted. This is one of my "keeper" books.

[Tracy Chiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthwhile read even though it's a bit hard to initially get into. Lots of wisdom and experience shared by a successful leader.

[Shyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got off to a slow start, but overall it was a good read.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this book awhile back and just getting around to reading it. Good and reinforces best practices from a good leader; the examples are a bit dated at this time.