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The Gold Medal in the Workplace Goes to: TRUST
Global trust expert, David Horsager, talks about the importance of trust in the workplace and 6 things you can do to build it (or rebuild it) in your team or organization.
The erosion of trust in our global society is reaching critical levels. From governments and corporations to the media and athletics, trust is weakened, cracked, or altogether shattered. Whether it’s lack of consistency, an unwillingness to be compassionate toward those with opposing views, or an inability to stay relevant and capable in one’s field, a lack of trust is wreaking havoc on our culture.
So, what can you do to build or rebuild trust? Many important character and culture traits have a shot at the podium, but it’s trust that wins the gold medal — every time!
Imagine the efficiency it would bring to your life if you could confidently rely on your team, your boss, your board colleagues, your neighbor, your child, your client…yourself! No one is 100% reliable, 100% of the time, but just like a hard-working Olympic athlete, there are some tangible, actionable things you can work on every day that help you win.
6 Things Trusted People Do
1. Do the right thing, whether someone is watching or not.
This type of integrity stands out in today’s world. Here’s the reality: you might think no one is watching, but there is almost always someone watching. One breech of character can ruin a company or a relationship overnight. Being the same “on stage” as you are “off stage” sets people apart.
2. Consistently make and keep commitments.
Consistency is key! Every-once-in-a-while commitment is no commitment at all. Keeping commitments to yourself builds trust in yourself which is necessary to establish before others can trust you.
3. Be a good and trusted communicator.
Everyone talks about how important communication is, but in order to truly improve it, try focusing on clarity. When crafting messages, drill down for clarity. When solving problems, insist on achieving clarity. Keep asking, “How?” or “How will we do that?” until actionable strategies are crystal clear.
4. Invite feedback and accountability.
People are far more likely to achieve their goals if they agree to meet with someone who will keep them accountable to those goals. If you aren’t currently inviting accountability, you are missing out.
5. Flex with unexpected changes in schedule, project scope, and deadlines.
Not everyone finds it easy to be flexible. Being able to adjust, pivot, and flex, especially when given new information, is a sign of leadership maturity.
6. Be consistent in the small, every-day things.
Consistency breeds consistency. If you start with the small things, and consistency becomes part of your work character, you will find it easier to be consistent in the big things. We all want employees who display count-on-me character when high-pressure projects are looming.
Those who are trusted get the job, keep the job, win the favor of colleagues, earn the promotion, and enjoy loyalty from colleagues and friends. I’ve never met anyone who says trust is not important, but what I do encounter is well-meaning leaders who value trust but aren’t sure what to focus on to improve it. Besides the positive influence on company culture, organizations with a high trust score say the bottom-line impact is undeniable. Increase trust in the workplace and you will be more profitable, experience less attrition, and get more out of your employees.
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