The late motivational speaker Stephen Covey once said, “When the trust account is high, communication is easy, instant, and effective.” For those of us in positions of leadership, gaining the trust of our people is a fundamental component of a healthy workplace environment. When managers establish this type of confidence, emotional security and job satisfaction can increase exponentially. Trust isn’t developed overnight, though. It comes through intentional behavior that is consistently applied.
So, how will your people trust your leadership? Here are six observations from my experience:
*When you say you’ll do something, do it. Carrying out a commitment shows you keep your word. Unless there’s a compelling reason to withdraw from (or alter the terms of) an expectation, follow through.
*Let your people know it’s okay to make mistakes. Everyone—inevitably—messes up along the way. A reasonable allowance for mistakes conveys good faith. Teach employees to pick themselves up after a small error and how to pivot after a big one.
*Have the collective back of your people with other parts of your organization—especially, with higher-ups. Avoid the temptation to throw anyone under the bus. Accept praise as a team and be personally accountable when things go wrong.
*It’s important to be honest. Don’t sugarcoat your communication—even when it’s bad news. Tactful language is always recommended, but have the belief your people are capable of handling the truth. It shows you respect them.
*Have compassion. It’s vital to remember that we’re all human. A compassionate leader is not weak but, rather, recognizes the importance of relating with the heart and not just rationally. Compassionate leaders are genuine and understand what’s going on.
*Your people should be able to offer candid feedback without fear of repercussion. Allowing employees to speak freely fosters trust in a remarkable way. They’ll know you value their contribution.
The responsibility of building trust rests upon a leader’s shoulders. So, as Covey suggested, aim to keep your “trust account” high! It will precipitate greater efficiency. I’ve noticed a ripple effect take place, as well, when trust permeates the overall company culture. It radiates outward and is sensed by the customer base it seeks to serve. As a leader, set the tone by exhibiting the trust your people deserve to promote sky-high levels of performance and workplace harmony.
