Do we really want to understand the sex lives of our grandparents?
We talk about the value of transparency. On paper, transparency seems like a good idea.
But sometimes transparency can go too far. Don’t ask how the sausage gets made.
As communicators, we believe that rational people appreciate a look at the inner workings of a process or a negotiation. We think this transparency helps others understand the various give and take necessary to reach agreement.
But I’m starting to think that transparency has limits. In fact, I’m starting to think that somethings are better left unknown.
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Interesting thought. A good reality check when you start getting into too much detail, just look at facebook/twitter updates.
However, in a negotiation, all that extra info that you don’t need to know is worth it if you do find that one small piece of information that gets you the leverage you need.