Theme 47: Transparency
We are a species that flourishes when we’re seen, when our work matters, and when we connect with and understand one another. What makes all of this possible is the posture of transparency—the willingness to be seen, knowing that transparency may not always be reciprocated or appreciated.

A boss sharing her vision with the team, looking your friend in the eye and telling the truth, or owning your mistakes—none of this is possible without transparency. These experiences are refreshing, and they change us because we’re used to having our shields up all of the time. It’s true it won’t always be joyful—transparency can lead to pain because truths are told and realities are flipped, but that doesn’t give merit to avoid it. Life is enormously better when we’re real with each other, and it makes us wonder why we can’t always assume this posture. Transparency merely invites us to do the hard work of building meaningful relationships the right way.

The was chosen by our Cincinnati chapter and illustrated by James Billiter.