Your team member doubts your servant leadership skills. How can you regain their trust?

1 Listen Actively

When a team member doubts your servant leadership, the first step is to engage in active listening. This means fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively 'hearing' the message of the speaker. Active listening involves paying close attention to the team member's concerns and emotions, reflecting on what they share, and refraining from interrupting or becoming defensive. By doing so, you not only gather valuable insights into their doubts but also show that you value their perspective. This can help establish a foundation for rebuilding trust.

3 Provide Support

Offering support is an effective way to regain trust. Assess how you can help your team member overcome challenges or develop new skills. This might involve providing additional resources, one-on-one coaching, or simply being available for guidance when needed. By actively supporting their growth and success, you reinforce the servant leadership principle of putting your team's needs first, which can help dispel doubts about your commitment to their well-being.

4 Be Transparent

Transparency in leadership involves being open and honest with your team members about decisions, successes, and failures. To rebuild trust, be transparent about your leadership style and objectives. Explain your actions and decisions, and be willing to admit mistakes. This level of openness can help team members understand your intentions and see that you are working with their best interests in mind.

5 Lead by Example

One of the most powerful ways to regain trust is to lead by example. Consistently demonstrate the qualities of servant leadership such as humility, integrity, and dedication to the team's success. When your actions align with the principles of servant leadership, it becomes evident to your team members that your leadership style is authentic. This consistent behavior can slowly rebuild trust and reinforce your commitment to serving the team.

6 Reflect and Adjust

Finally, take time to reflect on the feedback received and be willing to adjust your approach as necessary. Continuous self-improvement is essential in servant leadership. If your team member's doubts have merit, use them as an opportunity to grow and enhance your leadership skills. Show that you are committed to personal and professional development, and that you take their feedback seriously. This willingness to evolve can be a strong signal to your team that you are dedicated to being the best leader for them.