Building Trust
Discover the critical role that trust plays in team and organizational success, and how to develop a culture of trust that fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth.
Trust is the backbone of a team. A team stays together when they trust each other and most importantly when they have trust in their leader.
Great leaders go above and beyond to build a safe space for their teams and it is something that can be practiced and learned.
Key Attributes Of Trust
Trust takes time and is delicate. It needs to be nurtured and protected.
It is the safety net for a team that they rely on and fearlessly execute.
Trust is built through action.
We allow ourselves the freedom to assume when we trust someone.
Trust is not a range. You can’t trust a person partially. Either you trust, or you don’t.
Trust works both ways. You get what you give.
Trust calms anxiety.
How to build trust?
Here are few suggestions to reflect on:
Be Competent
Try and become an expert in your domain. Your knowledge and expertise will help in your decisions being trusted by your team. They will trust your judgment.
Help Unconditionally
Trust needs to be cultivated and is an outcome of action. The most common way to build trust is - to help. You don’t need to be a manager or a leader to start helping. Helping should come naturally to you even if you are an individual contributor.
Be Consistent
Actions that brew trust is not a one time thing. Consistency is the key. Continue to help others in your team and over time you will observe that you are building a rapport with the team and they know that you can be trusted.
Work Towards The Truth
To build trust you don’t need to be “Yes Man”. You are not pleasing and agreeing with each other on everything. In fact, it is actually important for you to challenge the team in favor of unearthing the truth. The team will respect your questions and challenges which in turn will brew trust. They know that when they reach out or when you suggest something it is coming from a place of team spirit.
Be Vulnerable
It is absolutely fine to show your vulnerable side. It will show the team that you are human. When you are open with your team on the challenges you are facing you become authentic and transparent. Show that you too are learning everyday. This helps greatly to build trust.
Be Real
Praise genuinely and critique constructively. The team quickly learns to value your appreciation as well as feedback equally.
Trust is precious and takes time to build. Once you gain it, do everything to hold on to it. Start today!
I would love to hear your feedback. Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!
