Transparency as a multiplier

I have visited the facilities of Ben & Jerry’s in Vermont and Heineken in Amsterdam. Both offer a tour that shows you how the product is made, and they give you a taste at the end (actually, Heineken gives you a taste in the middle and at the end). I’m convinced that the ice cream and the beer taste a little bit better because of the tour.

What these companies don’t offer is a tour that shows you how decisions are made. Imagine if we could see how Heineken compensates their farmers, or how Ben & Jerry’s treats their employees. Assuming they do it fairly, their product might taste even better (even though it’s a placebo effect).

Few companies show you how they make ethical decisions. In fact, few companies are transparent even with their employees. To me, that’s a missed opportunity. An employee who is proud of their leadership is more likely to go the extra mile.