A strong foundation of trust between the C-Suite and their employees is crucial to the overall prosperity of an organization. Corporate leaders are responsible for setting the tone that trickles down into all facets of the business, making trust a prominent factor in employee satisfaction and output.
While many executives think they’re trustworthy, it’s often overestimated to what degree. To be perceived as more dependable, communicative, and empathetic toward others, here are five effective ways to foster honest workplace relationships.
Be Transparent
Employees are more committed when they’re privy to the inner operations of their organization. By exposing them to discussions of what’s happening at higher levels, people find it easier to buy into the overall mission and vision of the company. Communicate what the board is working on, innovations or changes coming down the pipeline, or other pertinent information to keep teams (at all levels) in the loop.
Be Accessible
It’s easy to schedule formal meetings, but we often forget to make time for more casual conversations, too. These are equally telling and allow for a better understanding of different backgrounds, personal dynamics, and workplace culture.
Show interest in employees at all levels of the organization. Be an astute observer and take note of small nuances that may be impactful later. Make it a priority to keep track of individual preferences and unique circumstances. The investment will improve employee satisfaction and productivity by developing more trusting relationships with management.
Demonstrate Expertise
Great leaders are knowledgeable in all aspects of the organization. And the more information they have, the better coach and mentor they are to others. C-Suites should provide multiple methods for their teams to access appropriate resources as needed but should also make themselves available as a source of knowledge. Leaders willing to openly “share what they know” allow for open lines of communication, building more trust among colleagues.
Encourage a Work/Life Balance
In current workplace climates it's crucial to recognize and prioritize life outside the office are (usually) viewed more favorably by employees. Set and enforce work-related boundaries for yourself and your staff. When leaders emulate the same things they ask of others, it reinforces a sense of appreciation and trust from others.
Be Authentic
Too frequently, those in positions of power avoid saying what they want for fear of how it will be perceived. But the truth is that delaying advice or critiques (when warranted) only leads to issues later. Do not let problems build; instead, adopt a proactive approach. It alleviates frustrations, improves communication, and strengthens performance on time-sensitive projects, all cultivating a more honest and open workplace dynamic.
“Leadership is not taken, it is given. People give leadership to those they trust.” (Henry Cloud) When people trust you, they’re more eager to want to work with you. But it must be earned, so make it your mission to create a workplace that fosters collaboration, respect, and above all, trust in one another.
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