Tool: Increasing the Candor Index

What

A self-assessment for identifying leadership behaviors that promote honest dialogue during discussions about change.

Why

Feedback becomes increasingly candid when you do things that promote it. Your own behavior is the most powerful lever you have. It pays to be aware of what you want to keep doing and what you want to do differently to encourage candid feedback from others.

How

  1. For each statement below, circle the number that describes how often you observe the action in yourself.
  2. Calculate your scores and plan actions you will take to increase the candor index in your own work areas.

I make a conscious effort to... / Almost Never / Sometimes / Almost Always
  1. Set the example for respectful candor.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Show sincere interest in learning what people know, think, and feel about changes being implemented.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Encourage people to ask clarifying and challenging questions that put pressure on change strategies and plans.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Encourage people to ask clarifying and challenging questions that put pressure on change strategies and plans.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Connect with people on a human level—learn about outside interests, family, and friends.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Listen with the intent to fully understand questions and concerns.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Admit my own mistakes and demonstrate a willingness to apologize.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Tool: Increasing the Candor Index (cont.)

I make a conscious effort to... / Almost Never / Sometimes / Almost Always
  1. Demonstrate small courtesies—say "please" and "thank you," learn people's names and use them, and greet people when I see them.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Practice non-defensiveness and patience.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Openly admit what I know and don't know.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Acknowledge and praise people for their candor.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
  1. Demonstrate consistency in the way I respond to questions, suggestions, and concerns.
/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Tool: Increasing the Candor Index (cont.)

Calculating Your Scores

In the spaces below, transfer the numbers you circled for each question. Then add the numbers to get a total score for each column. Each column represents a dimension related to increasing the candor index.

2. _____ / 1._____ / 4. _____
5. _____ / 3._____ / 6. _____
7._____ / 10. _____ / 9. _____
8. _____ / 11. _____ / 12. _____
TOTAL: _____ / TOTAL: _____ / TOTAL: _____
Cultivate Approachability / Invite Openness / Create a Safety Zone
Leader approachability is at the core of candid feedback. People need to see you as "human," someone easy to talk to, who doesn't take himself or herself too seriously. / You generate candor by inviting openness—asking for candid feedback directly, modeling it yourself, and praising people when you receive it. / Positive experiences promote greater candor over time. People won't be candid if there's a chance of disapproval. Your consistent response lets people know that you truly value candid feedback.

Interpreting Your Scores

If the score in a category is:

17–20 / Spotlights an area of strength. Continue to focus your energy on this dimension for continued results.
12–16 / Indicates a need for additional attention. Look for opportunities to consciously work on this dimension on a day-to-day basis.
4–11 / Indicates a need for immediate action. Actively plan to incorporate this dimension and ask for feedback and coaching support.