Think about the best relationship you’ve ever had with an employee, supervisor, customer, vendor, friend or spouse. Trust is usually at the core. When trust exists in an organization or in a relationship, almost everything else is easier and more comfortable to achieve.
Trust in an organization results in people:
- Who are open and honest in their dealings with customers and each other
- Displaying the self confidence to be innovative and openly sharing creative ideas
- Embracing change without fear
- Giving others the benefit of the doubt and looking for win-win solutions to conflict
- Willing to take on additional responsibility even if there is risk involved
“Trust happens when leaders are transparent, candid, and keep their word. It’s that simple.” ~ Jack Welch, Winning |
Trust is built over time with consistent actions. If you are to achieve a trusting relationship with others then it needs to begin with you. Here are a few quick tips for building trust:
- Act with Integrity — Integrity involves adhering to ethical standards. When you display integrity everyone knows you can be trusted to do what is right even when there is “no one watching”. It is clear that you don’t have hidden agendas, exaggerate, cover-up, or distort the truth.
- Promote Open Communication — Practice an “open door” policy that permits everyone to share their concerns. Admit when you are wrong or made a mistake. Others will model your actions if they know you are honest enough to admit it when you’re wrong.
- Act with Reliability — Reliably means that you can be counted on to be consistent in your approach. Let people know they can count on you; keep your promises and never promise something you know you can’t deliver.
- Show Commitment — Be willing to sacrifice time and energy to make things work as well as possible. Commitment can include showing interest and empathy; confronting tough issues, and demonstrating the willingness to see your team through hard as well as good times.
Trust can be contagious! Why not share these quick tips with others in your organization and renew your commitment to building mutual trust.