By Mark Entrekin
Achieving Unity Success Formula (AUSF) Series – Article 6

Welcome back to our journey through the Achieving Unity Success Formula (AUSF). 

In our previous newsletter articles, we briefly explored accountability, commitment, communication, responsibility, and respect as foundational stones of Unity. Each value has helped us see that Unity is not a lofty idea but a simple practice, a living rhythm of how we show up for one another as a couple, in communities, families and workplaces.

In our last article, we also introduced the action plan for practicing respect. How did you do?

Did you:

1. Pause and Listen?
2. Acknowledge someone’s contribution?
3. Respond to differences with curiosity?

Now, in this sixth chapter, we arrive at a principle that ties what we have learned and will be the base and foundation of what is to follow: Honesty.

Honesty is the light that reveals the path forward. It is also the foundation upon which trust, respect, and meaningful relationships are built. Because of our honesty, we know that the light at the end of the tunnel is leading us down the right path. In the continual, joyful pursuit of Unity, honesty is not merely about speaking the truth, it is about living it. 

Honesty promotes us to share the courage and be transparent, to be open about our thoughts, to align our words with our actions, and to create an environment where authenticity thrives. When honesty becomes a shared value, Unity transforms from an ideal into a living, breathing force that strengthens every individual, every team, every corporation and every community.

Being honest and sharing the truth are the cornerstones of Unity. They free us from illusion, enabling us to see clearly, align with our purpose, and share a common goal. A unified group, whether a couple, family, team, or organization, grows strongest when anchored in truth. Honesty dismantles the barriers built from assumptions and misunderstandings, replacing them with understanding and mutual respect.

In transparent environments, people will feel safe when they acknowledge mistakes or uncertainties without fear of judgment. This courage, within each of us, to face reality, will strengthen the bonds between us and accelerate problem-solving. 

When we confront the truth with a spirit of improvement rather than blame, every challenge becomes a fun lesson that deepens trust and shared success. 

When our words and actions align consistently, everyone around us will learn that we are reliable and sincere. Our integrity is the super-glue that holds collaboration together, especially in the most challenging and uncertain times.

Without honesty, conflict often grows in the shadows where truth hides. Picture two co-workers, Jamie and Lee. They used to collaborate effortlessly until a small misunderstanding over an email turned into silence. Days pass, then weeks. 

What might begin as a minor mix-up can quietly grew into frustration and distance. It can continue until one of them finally says, “Can we talk?” that the wall starts to crumble. Once honesty steps into the light, the air clears. They quickly discover that what divided them was not disagreement, it was the absence of collaboration, communication and/or conversation.

That is the power of transparency. When we speak truthfully and listen openly (in dialogue), disagreement becomes a bridge to understanding rather than a barrier. Hidden assumptions lose their grip, and differences transform into opportunities for insight and shared growth. 

In every unified community, whether it is a team, a family, or a partnership, honesty keeps connection strong. It turns accountability into collaboration, progress into shared pride, and challenges into opportunities for innovation.

When everyone is willing to be transparent about progress, intentions, or mistakes, everyone benefits. Authentic trust forms, not through perfection but, through openness. Fear fades, courage rises, and Unity gains the solid foundation it needs to thrive and benefit each and every one of us.

But, let’s be clear, honesty shines the brightest when paired with compassion. Giving feedback or tackling tough subjects is not about proving who is right; it is about helping everyone get better. 

Do you remember the LID-BID-WID-RID-GID framework: Listen In Dialogue, Break It Down, Write It Down, Review Its Dependencies, and Get It Done. 

When we deliver truth with empathy, perhaps by starting with an encouraging story or simply acknowledging someone’s effort before suggesting a change, we help others stand taller, not shrink away. A caring touch in every honest exchange makes courage contagious, patience possible, and partnerships resilient.

Great leaders know that honest mistakes and unanswered questions are just as important as milestones. They do not pretend to have all the answers, instead, they model what it means to lead confidently and vulnerably, admitting what can be tough, inviting input, and celebrating progress as a group. 

In these environments, team spirit thrives, and the invitation to participate in a positive manner feels irresistible. When leaders set an example, they help nurture a garden of trust and encourage future leaders to stand on a foundation of integrity.

Closing Encouragement

As we wrap up this leg of our journey about honesty and Unity, imagine a team building a mural together, each person bringing their own colors and designs. One day, someone notices their piece does not quite fit with the pattern, and with open honesty, shares their concern with the group. 

Instead of blame or embarrassment, the team laughs, learns, and together adjusts the design until it is even more beautiful, more effective, than before. 

That is the magic honesty brings.

It is not about catching mistakes, but about creating something better, together. So let us carry this spirit into our daily actions, be brave enough to speak the truth with kindness, bold enough to listen with an open heart (in dialogue), and committed to building partnerships that give everyone’s mural a chance to shine.

When we are ready to create positive change, embrace honesty as our superpower and invite others along for the adventure, Unity is waiting for us all, one genuine, honest conversation at a time, shining the light to help us see a better path forward.