Let’s talk about trust.
It’s not a surprise that the best customer relationships are built on trust – but who helps to build that sense of trust? Your people.
Creating a culture of trust inside of your organisation means that what you say to your customers will match the actions of your employees, and that’s when the magic happens.
There are some common themes I see in organisations who promote a sense of internal trust among their teams.
🤝 Open and Honest Communication
Communication is like the heartbeat of trust. It’s not just about talking; it’s about really listening and hearing difference perspectives. Too often company communication is designed to be a one way street. Your employee’s responses to your messages are often as important as the message itself.
🤗 Show Up and Connect
Empathy is a superpower that can transform relationships and build trust. Take a moment to walk in your employees’ shoes, understand their perspectives, and show genuine care. A simple “How are you?” can go a long way in creating a culture of empathy, where everyone feels valued and supported. The more you understand your team, the more trust you’ll nurture.
🔍 Transparency breeds Trust
Whether it’s discussing the direction of the business or explaining the reasoning behind decisions, transparency builds trust. When employees understand the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of decisions they will feel trusted and included. Mistrust is often formed, not from what is said, but what isn’t said.
🌟 Walk the Talk: Lead by Example
As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. Show integrity, follow through on commitments, and demonstrate that you value trust as the bedrock of your leadership. In a nutshell, do you what you say you’re going to do and don’t accept any less from your team.
🌈 Empower and Encourage Autonomy
Trust and micromanagement are like oil and water; they don’t mix well. Empower your employees by giving them autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work. When individuals feel trusted, they rise to the occasion, bring their A-game, and share ideas with you that they might otherwise have kept to themselves. Treat your employees like they make a difference, and they will!
You won’t build trust overnight, but if you adopt these ways of working, and make these changes stick, you’ll see your people can take your business further than you ever could on your own, because in the words of the fabulous Simon Sinek ‘a team is not a group of people who work together, it is a group of people who trust each other’.