Transparency Or Intimacy: You Need To Know The Difference

No fooling, being vulnerable has value. Author Brené Brown has proven that vulnerability can transform relationships, including those between customers and business owners. Being transparent is the new customer service, but do not confuse transparency for intimacy. There is a line between being vulnerable and oversharing.

Transparency should feel like a warm hug that lets others know you understand, you have been there. You may even be there at the current moment. Transparency should not feel icky, awkward, and uncomfortable. Some things are or the therapist’s couch, not your content.

Do Not Confuse Transparency for Intimacy

When creating compelling content, it is crucial to know the line between transparency and intimacy. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that will help you create compelling content that does not undermine your authority or make people feel weird.

Do: Do share authentic stories and current topics that are meaningful. Even if the subject is challenging, it is ok to share if the context shows growth you are making, positive steps you are taking, or valuable lessons learned. Focusing on the best of a complicated situation is acceptable. Sharing despair, hopelessness, or helplessness is never good.

Do: Remember you are an authority. Your audience is looking for you to be the authority. Sharing content that shows you are human, fallible, and vulnerable is one thing. Sharing content that exposes your innermost secrets is an inappropriate intimacy.

Do: Wait to share. Sometimes you are not in the best place to share information. If you are experiencing a difficult time, it might be best to wait things out and share the journey in hindsight. You may be too emotionally attached to share the content with your tribe too soon.  

Don’t: Send the wrong message. Being vulnerable can backfire when it crosses into intimacy. Sharing certain types of information with the general public may undermine your expertise and authority. Be sure your content puts you in the proper light and does not look like a spotlight on every skeleton in your closet.

Don’t: Forget to share the whole journey. Follow up your transparent content with closure. Letting your tribe know how you solved a complex problem, overcame a setback, or conquered a fear gives them the full range of information that lets them know you are human and well-rounded.

Don’t: Share complex content without a second set of eyes. Being transparent can feel powerful and helps people relate to you but have a trusted colleague review your material when it might skate on the edge of intimacy.

Being vulnerable is a great way to win friends and increase your following, but it is essential to know between transparent and intimate. Intimacy is for your inner circle. Follow these do’s and don’ts, and you will create compelling content that makes a genuine impact.