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Did you know that organizations with high levels of trust outperform their competitors by nearly 300%?

The Great Place to Work Institute (100 Best Companies to Work For) report that “trust between managers and employees is the primary defining characteristic of the very best workplaces”. Trust is not just a “nice to have”; it improves innovation and financial growth. When trust is present, individuals feel empowered to highlight problems they can then solve, unleash their creativity, and collaborate openly.

But what is rust and how do you build it?

According to Brené Brown, building trust as a leader requires several key elements that can be applied on a daily basis. Let’s explore these elements and provide examples of how they can be put into practice:

1. Transparency: Share information openly with your team members. For example, communicate the reasoning behind decisions, provide updates on projects, and be transparent about organisational changes. Use visual management tools like shared project dashboards to keep everyone informed about progress, priorities, and decision-making processes.
2. Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions and mistakes, and make sure to keep every team member also accontable for their behaviour. Hold everyone accountable for their behavior, performance, and adherence to established standards. Treat all team members fairly and consistently, ensuring that expectations are clear and consequences are applied uniformly.
3. Reliability: Consistently deliver on your commitments and promises. If you agree to complete a task by a certain deadline, make sure you follow through. Show up prepared and on time for meetings, and hold others to the same standards.
4. Empathy: Practice empathy by actively listening and understanding the perspectives of others. Going to Genba (where the work is being done) to observe and engage with employees on a regular basis is a great starting point. During these walks, practice empathy by actively listening to team members’ challenges, understanding their needs, and providing support or resources to address their concerns. Show a genuine interest in their work and challenges.
5. Active Listening: Practice active listening by fully focusing on what others are saying without interruption or distraction. Actively listen to their suggestions, ideas, and concerns. You can create forums for open dialogue, such as regular team meetings or improvement huddles, where everyone has an opportunity to contribute and collaborate.
6. Setting Clear Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries by communicating expectations and limitations. For example, define acceptable behavior in meetings, establish guidelines for communication channels, and ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. By setting clear boundaries, you create a safe and respectful work environment.
7. Consistent Integrity: Act with integrity by aligning your actions with your values. Lead by example and consistently demonstrate integrity by adhering to established standards, treating team members with respect, and valuing their input and contributions.

By incorporating these practices into your daily interactions as a leader, you create an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. Remember, building trust is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and commitment. When trust is nurtured, it forms the foundation for strong relationships and high-performing teams.