It’s not easy right, to reveal what’s hidden.
Sometimes because we don’t know. Sometimes because of unconscious bias or blind spots. Sometimes because we feel to vulnerable or don’t want to reveal.
There have been a few posts recently here on LinkedIn about how changing gender from female to male has dramatically changed the way in which that person’s post has been treated by the LinkedIn algorithm. Shocking…and yet not really – we know some women and some men are trying to unpick nearly 4,000 years of disadvantage in many aspects of life many of which lie deeply hidden.
To be committed to transparency, openness and revealing more, we must dare to see ourselves and others and see the systems we have created. Really see.
I find personally that it’s the proverbial onion – layer by layer to really get to honesty with ourselves means repeatedly examining truths that may be pretty uncomfortable, or only partial, and yet still important.
This is important to do in groups, in relationships, within organisational systems – lift the lid up and have a look underneath.
All too often I trip over in myself a knowing that ‘yes, that is me’ and yet somehow accepting that less attractive part rather than committing to change it. There can be many reasons – inertia, busyness, it’s too hard, we feel exposed…
None of the reasons take us toward better though. Revealing what’s hidden and committing to transparency applies in every walk of life – politics, business, education, religion…nothing and no-one is exempt. Shining the light brings the opportunity for clearing and cleansing – building something healthier for all.
Taking the brave step toward sharing something with another makes it more real for ourselves. The genie is out of the bottle so to speak and that’s a good thing. At least it’s a first step.
Moving toward greater harmony, less destructive conflict, more satisfying and enriching relationships then being willing to reveal a little more and to trust ourselves and others to hold that with care is a cornerstone.
I’m curious…how do you help yourself to be brave and more transparent?