Episode 27:Radical Transparency: Leadership in action with Spencer Williams

Spencer Williams (CEO of Westpaw) joins our host William Corless to discuss his approach and ethical manner to leadership. Spencer provides real life examples of radical transparency and candour with his employees of his organisation based in Montana, USA. During the podcast William explores Spencer’s approach to radical transparency where a collegial and professional spirit he has naturally built while also developing a culture of improvement. Spencer openly discusses how he deals with pushback to this approach, embracing honest mistakes, demonstrating vulnerability and also holding people to account. Spencer believes his approach avoids disfunction where a useful reframe is used: Transparency protects. This work in practice approach to leadership highlights the importance of courageous conversations where staff are empowered to manage upwards. For those who are curious, we also discuss the boundaries to transparency. This open book management approach to leadership is a must listen podcast.