Secrets

What are some reasons organizations (and people) try to keep secrets? 

• Hide damaging information
• Maintain hierarchical privilege
• Mask inequitable decisions
• Protect perceived advantage
• Fear of dissent and debate
• Protect turf

The damage done when organizations (and people) try to keep secrets?

• Fosters lack of trust
• Drains precious human/organizational energy
• Distracts from the primary mission(s)
• Causes inertia among the troops
• Creates uncertainty in decision making
• Promotes risk aversion
• Inculcates isolationism
• Incubates fear

When you look at those two lists (which are not exhaustive, by any means), it's hard to come to the conclusion that secret-keeping serves a useful purpose - that is, IF...

Trust

     Teamwork

          Productivity

               Full Investment

are elements of your aspired culture.

My vote goes to Transparency and Full Disclosure.  Even when it hurts.