I hear a lot of companies toss it around – a buzz word like “web 2.0” and “organic.” Think you’re transparent? Call me crazy, but the following things mean “transparent” to me:

• Total access to numbers and data
• Public punishment and public reward
• Open doors (or none at all)
• No hierarchy, only leadership
• Forgiveness, not permission
• Strong communication
• Free-flowing ideas

While company culture stands to benefit from it, transparency may not work for everyone. Apple is doing just fine without it. If you cannot accept the list above, do not pretend to embrace transparency.