A roadmap to developing trust in a business context

Trust is an essential cornerstone in any relationship, especially between a leader and their followers. It acts as the binding force that holds relationships together. Building trust can be the key to fostering highly-effective organizations. Without trust, followers may turn to others for guidance, leading to internal confusion, external criticism, and potential harm to the organization's reputation. Trust is not something that can be gained overnight; it is earned and nurtured over time. While it may take a substantial amount of time to establish trust, it can be shattered in an instant. Rebuilding trust is a difficult task once it has been lost.

The concept of trust is multifaceted,?rooted in having faith in the honesty, integrity, and dependability of another individual. It involves believing that the person will uphold their promises and act in a manner that aligns with their words. Trust encompasses a range of components, such as being entrusted with confidential information, possessing reliable skills, working towards shared objectives, exhibiting sound judgment, offering truthful feedback, having genuine intentions and ambitions, and being counted on to deliver work promptly as per the supervisor's expectations.

Managers rely on their teams to execute their responsibilities with excellence and to entrust tasks with the confidence that they will be carried out. At the same time, team members must have faith in their managers to lead them in fulfilling the goals of the department and the organization. This mutual trust, where both parties are equally important, forms the backbone of a successful team. It ensures that leaders are motivated by the team and organization's best interests when making decisions and that team members can rely on their leaders for support and sound judgment.

Encouraging positive behaviors that foster trust and developing relationships built on trust can invigorate and inspire workers and enhance morale and employee involvement, ultimately resulting in improved productivity, efficiency, and employee retention.

A Practical Behavioral Guide for managers to developing trust

The ABCD Trust Model?

In his book Trust Works, Ken Blanchard introduces a model that offers a straightforward approach to comprehending, communicating, cultivating, and evaluating trust. This model outlines four key areas to focus on:

A - Able – The ability to demonstrate competence

B - Believability – The habit of acting with integrity

C - Connected – Demonstrating care about others

D - Dependable – The perception of reliability

The model, as given above, whilst clear about the behavioral objectives, perhaps lacks a clear roadmap. Below is a ten-point agenda to help you achieve these objectives and integrate trust in your team relationship.

1.??? Perseverance is the key. Be patient and consistent

Developing trust in a professional relationship is a gradual and nuanced process that cannot be rushed. It requires patience and consistency to establish and maintain trust. Trust should never be underestimated, as it is easier to lose than to gain.

When stepping into a leadership role within an established team, particularly following a trusted predecessor, building trust becomes even more challenging. Employees are accustomed to a certain management style and behavior, so the transition to a new leader requires an adjustment period for everyone involved.

During this transition, you must seize the opportunity to demonstrate your trustworthiness to the team. This involves showing a long-term commitment and delivering on your promises. By being patient, consistent, and reliable, you can gradually earn the trust of your team and solidify your position as a trusted leader.

2.??? Uphold integrity

We must uphold integrity in all aspects of our lives, especially in building and maintaining trustworthy professional relationships. Being truthful in our words and actions is crucial for demonstrating authenticity and earning the respect and trust of others. It's important to remain honest with ourselves and those around us, even when facing challenges or setbacks. Embracing transparency and openly acknowledging our mistakes and vulnerabilities can foster a culture of trust and openness within our teams.

We must always refrain from engaging in deceit, as dishonesty can have lasting negative effects on our relationships. Demonstrating integrity means having the courage to align our actions with our beliefs and values, showing others that our words come from the heart and reflect our true intentions. As we take on more senior roles, the expectations surrounding integrity only grow, as others will look to us to embody the values that guide us and the organizations we represent.

3.??? Focus on open & honest communication

Establishing trust through effective communication is vital in any team or organizational setting. It is important to be transparent and sincere when communicating, as any hint of secrecy or ulterior motives can lead to mistrust. Clarity in communication is critical to avoiding misunderstandings, and open and honest communication is essential for engaging and involving your team members.

Consistency in communication is crucial for building trust. Regularly sharing relevant information with your team members helps them feel included and well-informed, reducing feelings of vulnerability. When team members perceive the information shared with them as accurate and timely, they are more likely to trust the communicator.

It's essential to communicate with the intention of sharing knowledge rather than using information as a means of control. By fostering an open and transparent communication environment, trust can be nurtured and strengthened within the team or organization.

4.??? Get it done & deliver on your promises

To gain the trust and confidence of others as a leader, it is essential to consistently demonstrate the ability to accomplish what you set out to do. While it is important to communicate your intentions effectively, following through on your commitments is equally crucial to establishing credibility with your team. Building a track record of aligning your words with your actions will take time, but starting as you mean to go on is essential.

By consistently meeting the expectations of your team, you will gradually earn their trust and persuade them of your ability to follow through on future endeavors. Taking ownership of your actions, admitting mistakes without defensiveness, and offering genuine apologies when necessary are critical components of building trust and credibility as a leader. When you consistently deliver on your promises, you will begin to cultivate a reputation as a dependable and trustworthy leader.

5.??? Promote an alignment between personal needs and organizational goals

To earn the trust of others, it's crucial to consistently demonstrate empathy and consideration for their needs, as well as the organization's broader goals. Instead of solely highlighting personal achievements and aspirations, it's crucial for a leader to show genuine care for both their team and the organization as a whole. This approach builds trust and respect. By aligning your actions with the larger organizational objectives and those of your immediate team, you can foster a culture of trust?beyond your tenure with the company.

Openly communicate the specific targets you need to meet and articulate how they impact the department, enabling your team to recognize your positive influence and dedication to fulfilling your commitments.

6.??? Responsible use of authority

A senior position within a company grants individuals a certain level of authority and influence. However, it's crucial to recognize that this power should not be abused by exerting control over employees, as doing so undermines trust and respect. Instead, leaders should focus on delegating responsibilities and empowering their team members to make decisions rather than imposing their own will. Using their position of authority positively, they can drive changes that benefit both their team and the organization as a whole.

7.??? Delegate and demonstrate trust in your team

The excessive implementation of numerous rules and regulations within a work environment can inadvertently convey a lack of trust in your team. It's essential to visibly display confidence in your team's professional capabilities and ability to fulfill their responsibilities as expected. By demonstrating your trust in them, you are more likely to receive the same level of trust in return.

Avoid compromising your position as a trusted leader by unnecessarily monitoring your employees. Instead, empower your team to take ownership of their specific responsibility areas and make decisions that align with their roles. Unless their actions are causing harm, try to refrain from interfering with the work of others. Strive to cultivate an environment where trust is reciprocated, enabling you to effectively engage your staff and enhance overall productivity.

8.??? Encourage open communication and be non-judgmental

To build a strong and trusting relationship with your team, it is imperative that you earn their trust by showing genuine care and interest in their well-being. Your team members should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions with you, knowing you will respect their confidentiality. It's crucial to refrain from gossiping or betraying their trust in any way.

Encourage open communication and be non-judgmental when they express their views, fostering an environment where they feel safe to speak their minds regardless of differing opinions. By demonstrating strong listening skills and acting on their feedback, you can show your team that their thoughts and ideas are valued, further strengthening the bond of trust.

9.??? Manage underperformance

It's essential to address inadequate performance in a way that maintains your credibility with others. When dealing with disciplinary issues, it's crucial to be fair and consistent, avoiding any appearance of bias or favoritism. Trust and respect are closely linked, so it's essential to work on cultivating them. Instead of fostering a blame culture, focus on addressing issues without being confrontational. Seek to understand your employees' actions and perspectives rather than immediately placing blame.

10.??? Focus on being consistent in your communication and actions

Maintaining consistency in your communication, actions, attitudes, and behavior is crucial for building trust and rapport with others. When you consistently convey your thoughts and feelings, and your actions align with your words, it allows people to predict how you will respond in various situations. This predictability gives them confidence in your reliability and stability, creating a sense of security in their interactions with you.

On the other hand, displaying inconsistency can lead to confusion and mistrust. When others struggle to anticipate your reactions due to inconsistency, it can breed suspicion and wariness, ultimately undermining trust and creating a culture of uncertainty rather than mutual trust and respect.