Building Trust One Person at a Time

What is Trust?

I hear the word trust a lot these days but what does trust mean? In the American Heritage? Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition, they define trust as a “Firm belief in the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing; confidence or reliance”.

I believe this definition gets to the core of what we can’t always describe. Does the person have integrity? Do they do what they say they will do? Can they do the job or task at hand? Do they have character? Are they the same person no matter where they are?

Trust in the Workplace

In an article written by Mark Samuel for Forbes Coaches Council 2020, Building Trust in the Workplace: The Most Common Misunderstanding, “Trust is initiated by understanding, respecting and adhering to commitments, agreements and expectations. When it’s perceived that commitments, agreements or expectations are not being kept, we lose trust in the other person’s ability to come through.”

4 Ways to Establish Trust

1. Humility

No one wants to work with a know-it-all or someone who never admits to mistakes. Most people want to work for someone who asks them questions and brings them into the conversation to display their expertise. After all, that is why they were hired in the first place. If people think you care more about yourself than others, they won’t trust you to lead them.

2. Clear Communication

Clear and consistent communication helps to create trust. The clearer the communication the better people can align their roles and skills to the team and company goals.

3. Growth Opportunities

Growth often comes from failure. Leaders who provide room for failure and offer grace-filled support when it occurs, create the opportunity for trust. Leaders who provide room for employees to make decisions and help remove obstacles in their way provide a healthy environment for trust to exist. Leaders should provide honest feedback in a caring way. Be consistent with words and actions. 

4. Celebrate!

Leaders who welcome new ideas and celebrate openly are more likely to have teams that are happy in their employment and willing to follow them.  

Take a Quick Self-Assessment

·      When have you sacrificed your own comfort, glory, or even finances to better serve your team?

·      Where can you better serve your team?

·      What must change to cultivate and demonstrate your care for your team?

Resources

American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/11/16/building-trust-in-the-workplace-the-most-common-misunderstanding

Next Steps

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