More Ways To Build Trust (8)

Introduction

"...Trust can't be demanded. It must be earned over time and through consistent behaviour and actions. Rebuilding trust is even more difficult, but it is even more critical to your organisation's success, because when trust is broken, productivity usually suffers..."
Gamlen Coreliaet, et al, 2023

Trust creates a feeling of security for staff, ie when leadership is dependable and follows through on promises, then staff feel more comfortable and more focused on performing.

Building trust is not a one-time event, ie trust is not built overnight, rather, it builds gradually.

Ways to build trust

i) transparency (staff want to know what is going on in your organisation and/or unit; they want to know 'good, bad and ugly'; being honest with your staff, ie keep them appropriately informed)

ii) be a good listener (listen carefully to your staff, ie
"...Take time to engage your employees in conversations about themselves and their families. Find out what is important to them as human beings and not just as employees..... Spend time listening carefully to their questions and comments..."
Gamlen Coreliaet, et al, 2023

Seek authentic feedback from your staff and follow-up on their opinions and suggestions; if a suggestion cannot implemented,  let them know why)

iii) consistent behaviour (keep your word, ie, if you say you are going to do something, do it, or explain why you can't)

iv) vulnerability (being able to admit you are wrong and/or don't know, ie own your mistakes; be willing to say sorry
"...When you share your imperfections, your employees will see a totally different side of you and trust will follow..."
Gamlen Coreliaet, et al, 2023)

v) skill development (encourage your staff to participate in skill development; share learning experiences; be prepared to invest in staff development)

vi) respect (treat all your staff, colleagues, etc with respect at all times, ie never publicly say bad things about your stakeholders, etc)

vii) work shoulder-to-shoulder (work alongside your staff to demonstrate your commitment; never ask your staff to do a job you are not willing to do yourself)

viii) acknowledgement (give credit where credit is due; never take credit for something you didn't do; acknowledge and recognise good work)