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Dr. Damita J. Zweiback is the founder of Coaches Corner and a certified life coach. She is currently on leave from her position with the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services. Zweiback is in the United States Navy Reserve and is currently serving on active duty in Washington D.C.
Establishing and maintaining trust is crucial for successful relationships, particularly within professional settings. Trust fosters collaboration, productivity, and a wholesome work culture. Without it, suspicion, micromanagement, and apathy tend to take root.
Yet, the big question is, how can one cultivate trust within a team encompassing diverse personalities? This is one question I have encountered countless times as a professional development coach from individuals and teams looking to tow the intricate path of trust-building.
So, in this article, I’ll explore the concept of workplace trust, its significance, and practical strategies to help you build trust with both your colleagues and those under your supervision.
Overview of Workplace/Organizational Trust
Workplace trust is about having a healthy and functional structure that ensures every member of the company’s workforce can depend or rely on each other to do the right thing for the good of all. It is the sense of being secure with others and respected/valued within the organization, expressing yourself freely, and vice versa.
Furthermore, workplace trust is about your co-workers and subordinates believing that you will:
- Answer their queries promptly
- Treat them with respect
- Communicate clearly
- Be honest about happenings in the organization
- Acknowledge their efforts and treat them right
- Provide them with the right resources and support
- Always have their best interest at heart
- Caution them appropriately
- Trust their capacity to deliver on their responsibilities without micromanaging them
It’s also about you, on the other hand, depending on your subordinates and co-workers that they will:
- Work effectively and prioritize the company’s success
- Treat you with respect and kindness
- Not cheat, steal company properties, or manipulate figures to their advantage
- Communicate effectively
- Not mistreat other team members
- Seek help when necessary
- Advocate for the company
Tips for Building Trust In Your Workplace
Albeit challenging, building trust with your co-workers and subordinates is not rocket science. Here are things you can do to get the desired results.
1. Practice Open and Honest Communication
Over time, I have discovered that trust naturally kicks in anywhere when everyone feels heard and valued. Encourage your co-workers and subordinates to express their thoughts without prejudice or fear of judgment. Likewise, endeavor to actively listen to their opinions. This gives room for discussion and feedback, as communication is a two-way street.
Additionally, learn to be clear about expectations, plans, policies, and any changes that may impact the team. Even if you can’t share proprietary details, explain the reasoning behind major decisions whenever possible. When your team understands what’s happening and why, they’re less likely to make negative assumptions.
2. Prove Your Trustworthiness by Matching Your Words with Actions
Before “seeking” trust from others, you have to first prove that you’re trustworthy with your actions. It’s an unspoken rule. So always endeavor to do what you say you will do, when and how you say you’ll do it. Fulfill promises, meet deadlines, and honor commitments, even small ones.
If circumstances change and you can’t deliver as expected, explain why with empathy and understanding. Consistency between your speech and actions demonstrates integrity and helps you build credibility over time.
3. Accept Mistakes and Foster a Culture of Accountability
As a human, you can make mistakes and step on the toes of your co-workers and subordinates while discharging your duties. However, your disposition towards your mistakes can turn things around positively for you. Thus, learn to admit mistakes openly and share lessons learned from the experience.
Doing so models accountability, which is instrumental in building trust anywhere. It also prompts your colleagues and subordinates to trust your opinions and decisions further and stay committed to holding themselves accountable, too.
4. Share Responsibilities and Connect Outside Work
Teamwork always makes “the team” work, and you can use that to build trustworthy relationships amongst your co-workers and subordinates. Take a step further to bond with your co-workers and subordinates by sharing your or their responsibilities. Help them get stuff done and allow them to do the same with you. For example, you don’t have to arrange files or carry out minor office itineraries alone if you can do it with a co-worker or subordinate.
Furthermore, provide opportunities for your subordinates to connect socially, such as team lunches, offsite meetups, volunteering events, etc. You can also sponsor mentoring sessions across differences like gender, cultural background, and personality. I have discovered that developing relationships beyond mere work builds organizational trust and unity. So, give it a shot!
5. Extend Trust Proactively
Sometimes, you have to take the leap first and set the pace for others. Besides making yourself trustworthy, consider trusting your co-workers and subordinates first before expecting their trust in return. Treat them as responsible professionals worthy of autonomy and discretion irrespective of their rank or position in the organization.
You can offer support without hovering and making them feel inadequate. Give them the benefit of the doubt when confused or skeptical instead of assuming ill intent. Prove that your working relationship is built on good faith rather than suspicion.
6. Practice and Encourage Vulnerability
One too many times, I have seen people develop trust and an amiable connection by just being vulnerable. You, too, can build that with your co-workers and subordinates by opening up about the real emotions you’re experiencing and making room for others to do the same. It shows that you’re an authentic person, and mutual feelings strengthen relationships and build connections.
Occasionally, check in on your co-workers and subordinates to know how they’re feeling and faring. In fact, you can have candid moments of vulnerability with your co-workers/subordinates and vice versa when you’re sharing responsibilities, during lunchtime, while taking a walk to the car park, etc. Those are great time windows to express your emotions about specific subjects concerning the company or your personal life, laying the foundation for trust.
The Ripple Effect of Trust
Before I conclude, I need you to understand that building trust within your workplace won’t be a one-time effort but a continuous, dynamic journey. As such, you must remain committed and dedicated to the course. But rest assured that when trust is cultivated and nurtured, it creates a ripple effect, positively influencing how you interact with your colleagues and subordinates and the overall workplace culture.
Carefully follow through with the tips I have shared above to set the ball rolling. I’m rooting for you! In the comment section, let me know how else I can support you on this journey.
References
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/trust-in-the-workplace
https://www.harvardbusiness.org/good-leadership-it-all-starts-with-trust/
