Building trust at work as a manager is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment.
High trust enhances communication, collaboration, and employee satisfaction.
Here’s a 5-step guide with examples and best practices:
Step 1: Lead by Example
Show your team that you are trustworthy by consistently demonstrating honesty, integrity, and transparency in your actions and decisions and leading by example.
Avoid making promises you cannot keep, and be accountable for your mistakes. For example, if you’re unable to meet a deadline, communicate the reasons honestly and propose a new timeline. We frequently hear this from clients looking for leadership skills training materials.
Best Practice: Hold regular one-on-one meetings with your team members to build relationships, discuss their concerns, provide feedback, encourage a high-trust environment, and share updates about ongoing projects. Being approachable and open to feedback will make your team more forthcoming.
Step 2: Encourage Open Communication
Create an environment where open communication is encouraged and respected. Be receptive to feedback, ideas, and concerns from your team members.
Our experts tell us to avoid micromanaging and empower our employees to make decisions within their roles. And acknowledge and address their opinions to show that their input is valued.
Best Practice: Implement an anonymous suggestion box or use digital tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for team members to share ideas and concerns freely. Regularly follow up on suggestions and let the team know how their feedback has contributed to improvements in the workplace.
Step 3: Be Supportive and Empathetic
Demonstrate empathy and understanding towards your team member’s personal and professional challenges. Show genuine interest in their well-being and career growth. Offer support and resources when they face difficulties, and celebrate their successes.
Example: If an employee is going through a tough time, offer flexible work hours or additional support to help them manage their responsibilities better.
Best Practice: Conduct regular check-ins with your team members to understand their career goals and aspirations. Offer opportunities for skill development and growth within the organization to show your commitment to their success.
Step 4: Keep Promises and Commitments
Follow through consistently on your promises and commitments. If you promise your team members recognition, rewards, or support, ensure you deliver on time.
Reliability and consistency are key to building trust.
Example: If you promise to provide a team member with additional training from a stay interview to improve their skills, ensure that you organize the session as agreed upon.
Best Practice: Set achievable goals and expectations for your team members and track their progress regularly. When they achieve their goals, publicly acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments.
Step 5: Foster a Positive Team Culture
Promote a positive team culture where collaboration, respect, and camaraderie thrive. Encourage team-building activities, recognize individual and team achievements, and celebrate milestones together.
Example: Organize monthly team lunches or virtual team-building activities to strengthen team bonds and create a sense of belonging.
Best Practice: Address conflicts and disagreements within the team promptly and constructively. Create a safe space for team members to discuss their concerns and find solutions collaboratively.
By following these five steps and implementing team-building training initiatives, you can build trust with your team, which will lead to increased employee engagement and loyalty and, ultimately, improved overall performance for the organization.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
