A top manager might believe that he accomplished his goals through sound judgment and outstanding people skills, but his employees and customers know full well that a whole lot more was involved. Thankful people attract good results. No one person comes with all the strengths to singlehandedly lead. Great leaders build teams of individuals who complement their strengths and weaknesses. They work hard to develop an accurate self-concept, and consider how their behaviors impact others.
Honest people attract support.
Similarly, employees perceive top management as being insulated from front-line reality. Layers of middle management filter information in both directions, making a fog of war that obscures critical issues. Managers must insist on getting unfiltered data from subordinates. In order to get the real story, management must create the conditions and consequences that cultivate truth-telling. Employees figure out very quickly what happens if they speak the truth.