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I'd always rather err on the side of openness. But there's…

“I'd always rather err on the side of openness. But there's a difference between optimum and maximum openness, and fixing that boundary is a judgment call. The art of leadership is knowing how much information you're going to pass on - to keep people motivated and to be as honest, as upfront, as…” quote by Warren G. Bennis
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“I'd always rather err on the side of openness. But there's a difference between optimum and maximum openness, and fixing that boundary is a judgment call. The art of leadership is knowing how much information you're going to pass on - to keep people motivated and to be as honest, as upfront, as you can. But, boy, there really are limits to that.”

Warren G. Bennis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Leaders must balance openness with discretion, sharing enough to motivate without overwhelming.

In simple terms: Leaders need to decide how much information to share.

Key Takeaway

Find the right balance of transparency.

Themes

leadership communication trust information strategy

Mood

thoughtful analytical inspirational

Type

leadership advisory

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • crisis communication
  • feedback sessions
  • policy drafting

Key Concepts

openness judgment motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it better to with information?
  • How do you gauge the optimal level of openness?
A Different Perspective

Too much openness can cause confusion or loss of authority.

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