High Trust Leadership

Trust is a key component of healthy relationships, yet we've all experienced situations where it's been broken. So how can we develop and rebuild trust within organizations?

A high-trust workplace allows for risk-taking, free expression, and innovation, resulting in successful outcomes. On the other hand, low-trust organizations are plagued by office politics and information hoarding, leading to slower and less effective decision-making.

As leaders, we have a crucial role to play in building trust within our organizations. By creating a safe and transparent environment, we can establish clear expectations and follow through on commitments.

Let's focus on trust, communication, collaboration, and innovation to foster high-trust organizations and succeed in today's world.

Here are some simple things leaders can do to foster a high trust environment:

1. Don’t Be Late

Showing up on time demonstrates that you respect others' time. It shows you value them.

2. Tell the Truth 

Honesty lays the foundation for trust. Being candid, open and transparent as much as you possibly can is an integral building block to trust.

3. You Do You

Everyone else is taken. Be real, and your true authentic self. This will not only serve you well but is also an open invite for others to do the same.

4. Demonstrate Empathy

Understanding others builds deeper connections. Listen intently, don’t jump to conclusions and share your own experiences.

5. Be Consistent  

Being reliable builds confidence in you. People know what they get with you and get a sense of security in the known knowns.

6. Be Open to Feedback & Seek It Out

It shows you're open to growth and change. It is an invite for conversation and builds stronger connections.

7. Follow Through

Doing what you say proves you can be trusted. Follow through on your commitments, it demonstrates reliability and builds trust.

8. Keep Private Items Confidential  

Respecting confidential topics, secrets and even data private is respectful earns respect in return.

9. Apologize with Intent 

Owning up to your errors shows integrity. Apologize with intent, don’t half a$$ it, and be purposeful with delivery.

10. Admit your Errors & Mistakes 

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Nobody is perfect, and owning up to error shows a human side to your character. People relate to that and usually reciprocate.

11. Respect Boundaries  

It shows you care and builds mutual respect. Do not overstep your mark, always air on the side of caution until the invite comes to step across the line.

12. Be Kind

Kindness is the language of trust. This is not a weakness, and remember people do things for nice people.

Trust isn't built overnight.  Like all worthwhile things, it takes effort and energy.