Pros and Cons

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐲 🤐.
We’re so used to it that it feels normal. We think it’s even our greatest protection. Hiding the inner workings, showing only what’s smooth, beautiful, high-performing, efficient. Avoiding being fully seen. Withholding any data to avoid criticism.
Never criticizing others either! Staying proper. Charming. Never openly naming the competing product. Relying on hallway whispers.
Boiling inside from not being able to prove our value beyond doubt. Fearing any spotlight on our weaknesses. Guarding our data jealously. Relying on marketing and sales to persuade. Publishing papers and giving talks that are hollow, lacking substance. Deep down, feeling frustrated for frustrating our clients.

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 👐.
Letting our results be seen. The successes and failures of our applications. Freely acknowledging where others do better. Using that to improve our own formulations. Letting the light dissolve the shadows. Trusting in our ability to innovate. Happily understanding where we can be most useful. Knowing our products better, selling more easily. Building stronger relationships.

And you—what do you choose?
Is sharing real data a strategic mistake, or the best path to sustainable innovation?