AdminFor some roles and professions, trust is a matter of life or death. Firefighters, doctors, and nurses are just a few examples of people in roles where a lack of trust can have a very negative impact on their work and their relationships with coworkers. In fact, research shows that teams and organizations that lack a strong level of trust are less effective than those with high levels of trust. This is especially true in jobs where risk-taking is critical, such as a firefighter’s or a doctor’s job.
Thankfully, building trust is not an impossible task. It just requires some intentionality and effort. Ideally, leaders are the ones who set the tone and establish norms for trust within their organizations. However, many leaders aren’t sure where to start when it comes to fostering a culture of trust. Fortunately, there are proven and effective methods that can help.
One way to build trust is to make sure that team members know when their efforts have been recognized and appreciated. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to trust their managers and each other. Additionally, leaders should communicate openly and honestly about decisions and processes in their organizations. When it comes to trust, miscommunication is the enemy.
Lastly, employees should be encouraged to speak up when they see an issue. This can be difficult for some employees, but it’s a critical part of establishing and maintaining trust. When employees are hesitant to report issues, it can lead to more problems down the road. building trust