open communication
Honest, direct exchange
Open communication is the free exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings without barriers or hidden agendas.
The phrase emphasizes transparency and honesty—partners in a relationship practice open communication when they share concerns directly rather than letting resentment build.
Workplaces tout open communication to signal that employees can speak candidly without fear of retaliation: The company claims to value open communication, but try criticizing the CEO.
- active listeningFocused, responsive attention to speech
- empathySharing another's emotions
- heart to heartCandid intimate discussion
- trustConfidence in another
- transparencyState of being see-through
open door policy · honesty · speak freely · no filter · collaboration · two-way street · psychological safety · safe space · cross-cultural dialogue · candor · dialogue · vulnerability · clear the air · clarity · town hall meeting · leadership · consensus-building · feedback
- Leadership Valuesvision, integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability
- relationship skillsempathy, rapport, trust, cooperation, dialogue
- workplace valuesteamwork, cooperation, respect, trust, collaboration
- long-distance lovelong distance, LDR, love letters, video calls, phone calls
- workplace voiceemployee input, employee feedback, suggestion box, suggestion boxes, employee involvement
- green flagshonest, loyal, trustworthy, respectful, supportive
open communicationsecrecy
Practice of hiding information
concealment · deception · evasion · cover-up · stonewalling
open communicationindirect communication
Conveying meaning through suggestion
beating around the bush · hinting · coded language · double-talk · innuendo
open communicationgatekeeping
Controlling access to something
radio silence · restricted access · information silos · information control · censorship