Trust underpins all good relationships – supplier and customer, team and leader, husband and wife.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Our distrust is very expensive".
Despite the technical advances of the last century, few leaders would argue that the way in which their teams interact with and depend on one another isn’t crucial to their organisation’s performance.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Our distrust is very expensive”.
During periods of uncertainty and restructure, trust in employers, team mates and leaders can be eroded, so along the road to recovery what can individuals do to rebuild trust?
1. Keep promises
Never commit to something you can’t deliver no matter what the short term gain – people who are let down have long memories.
It’s not just about keeping big promises, if your voicemail says you’ll return the call be sure you do just that.
2. Trust builds trust
Placing trust in others confers value on that person. Trust is reciprocal, to get it you have to give it.
3. Be selfless
Nothing undermines trust more than self interest. If my selfish motives outweigh my desire to serve you I can’t be trusted.
4. Take risks
Few things are certain and even our closest friends might let us down but don’t let this stop you from frequently placing trust in others. Trust can only grow through repeated positive experiences.
5. Get up close and personal
It’s all very well being part a global community but electronic messaging rarely strengthens relationships in the same way as time spent face to face. It’s been said that ‘You never truly get to know someone until you’ve wasted time with them.’
Sharing a car journey, waiting for a delayed flight or simply eating lunch with someone will do more to build a trusting relationship than any number of Facebook postings.
For more ideas and insights into raising trust levels in your organisation read Trust Unwrapped, A story of,Ethics, Integrity and Chocolate.
