The power of honest leadership: Why ‘Glossing’ is the new morale killer

A new trend has emerged, accompanying the practice of quiet quitting but this time exclusive to leaders, called "glossing". Glossing describes a practice where leaders downplay or outright ignore issues in favour of maintaining an even keel. 

However you label it, on its surface that kind of response seems like an intuitive and borderline appropriate leadership response - an attempt at shielding individuals and teams from the harsh truth of a particularly challenging moment or difficult circumstance.

The reality, however, is that glossing can have some severe and unintended negative consequencesLet’s explore some of the harmful effects glossing can have on teams and organisations, and why transparency and honesty are far more effective in the long run - especially when times are tough.

Why leaders turn to ‘Glossing’

Glossing typically stems from the natural desire to avoid conflict and keep the workplace environment positive, something that’s especially true during times of uncertainty or difficulty. A few reasons, among many, why leaders might choose to gloss over problems:

1.     Avoiding conflict and discomfort

Many leaders may fear confrontation or believe that discussing workplace challenges will lower morale. They may feel that downplaying issues creates a sense of calm, especially if the team is already facing stress or anxiety.

2.     Maintaining appearances

Managers may worry that acknowledging problems openly will reflect poorly on their leadership. By glossing over difficulties, they can create the illusion of stability and control, projecting a calm and confident front. This is especially common in competitive industries where leaders feel the pressure to be seen as infallible.

3. Uncertainty on how to address issues

Some leaders might not know how to effectively deal with certain issues. When faced with complex problems, managers might resort to glossing because they feel unprepared or unequipped to navigate through them. Instead of addressing the issue, they may choose to bury it in hopes that it will resolve itself or remain unnoticed.

4. Fear of team anxiety

There’s a genuine concern among managers that being transparent about problems will increase team anxiety and create panic. By glossing over challenges, they hope to protect their team from stress or fear. However, while well-intentioned, this approach can often backfire.

The consequences of glossing

While for many scenarios glossing might seem like an appropriate fix, it can lead to some serious long-term consequences that cut away at team cohesion, trust, and performance. Here’s why it’s a risky strategy:

1. Erosion of trust

Employees are perceptive. If they sense that a manager is glossing over issues, they may feel that their leader is not being upfront or that important information is being withheld.

2. Lower morale

Ironically, by trying to protect morale, glossing can actually have the opposite effect. If issues go unaddressed, they can fester beneath the surface, creating a tense work environment and lowering overall morale.

3. Lack of problem solving

By ignoring or glossing over problems, managers miss the opportunity to actively solve them. Teams that don’t confront problems head-on are likely to become stagnant, as some of the most important learning opportunities are lost.

4. Increased stress and uncertainty

Rather than reducing anxiety, glossing can increase stress as employees begin to feel that something is being hidden from them. This lack of transparency can make them feel more uncertain, leading to rumours, speculation, and heightened levels of workplace anxiety.

The power of honesty and transparency

Being honest and transparent with your team - especially during difficult times - ultimately builds a stronger, more resilient workplace culture.

And while it may be tempting for leaders to gloss over workplace issues in an effort to maintain morale or avoid conflict, this approach often does far more harm than good. Honesty, transparency, and open communication strengthen relationships, empower teams, and create a resilient workplace culture.

The most effective leaders are those who face challenges head-on, acknowledging difficulties while actively developing an environment of trust and collaboration. By being honest with your team, you not only build stronger connections but also pave the way for long-lasting high-performance.

At Acumen we’re dedicated to equipping leaders with the practical tools to tackle real-life challenges. Our comprehensive range of training and development programs, including customised interventions and off-the-shelf courses, help organisations foster a culture of respect and empower their employees. To learn more about our programs and how they can benefit your organisation, please contact Simon at simon@askacumen.com.