Trust, according to Dr. Duane Tway, is the “state of readiness for unguarded interaction with someone or something.” Trust is usually difficult to build in any relationship. This is understandable; given the natural human tendency to self-protect. There are exceptions though when instant trust develops when expected behaviours are demonstrated in an unexpected situation. But this is one in a million situations.
No one ever feels comfortable under a leader who does not trust them or whom they do not trust. In the absence of mutual trust healthy relationship declines and productivity falls as group or team members get into politics, covering their backs and other counter-productive activities. In a team or group situation, not trusting anyone affects morale, which leads to a deterioration in relationship. This in turn leads to decline in achievement of results as the focus shifts from the business or team needs to internal wrangling.
So, what are the key qualities a leader must possess to develop trust? Below are some of them:
1. Effective Communication
A leader must communicate well in order to build strong relationships with his team or group members. In difficult times, people normally see a lack of information as bad news; so a leader must keep in close touch. Lack of communication reduces trust; being open with information creates it.
2. Trust In others
It is only natural that when you trust other people, they too will trust you. A leader must develop an ability to trust others and create an environment of trust. It is in fact better to assume the trustworthiness of employees, group or team members, than waiting for them to earn it. Team members find it much easier to trust their leader if they feel trusted themselves.
3. Honesty In Everything
Being open and honest is a key ingredient for generating trust. When you are open about your vision, actions and intentions, you will usually generate strong support and followership. Both good and bad news should be openly shared, so as to reduce gossip and wild speculation. By admitting mistakes and not trying to cover them up, shows a leader to be a normal human being, just like everyone else!
4. Establish Strong Business Ethics
Leaders and managers should create a moral value system, especially for the work-place. Teams which have a common ethics are healthier, resourceful, adaptable and productive because of the common root of their consistent value systems.
5. Keep Your Word
By making actions visible and fulfilling commitments, a leader becomes trusted. Failing on promises is insincere and causes tensions. A leader needs to deliver actions visibly, to ensure everyone is aware that he can be depended upon.
6. Consistency
In the process of building trust, being consistent and predictable is very important. If the behavioural pattern changes every time, trust becomes difficult. Your people get uncomfortable when plans and expectations change too much, or too often.
7. Be reachable
Your team members need to be able to get to you when they need to. Whilst there may be times when, for purposes of doing your own work, you need to remain undisturbed, there needs to be a balance. You are the leader and they will need you for specific involvement in day to day activities.
8. Maintaining Confidences
Those you manage or lead must be able to confide in you sensitive information, express concern and share problems. People need to know that you can keep information confidential when they need you to. Sometimes the information may be personal matters and in such cases this becomes even more important.
9. Language Matters
Watching your language is also crucial. By avoiding the use of such figures of speech as “us” and “them” and sticking with “we” wherever possible, your team will bond better with you. Your language should be clear and simple, because everyone interprets what is said differently – so you need to speak plainly for everyone to understand.
10. Creating Social Time
Having informal social interactions with team members enhances bonding. In context, social interactions are a big opportunity for success for any good leader.
To make a team which works together efficiently, requires the abundant presence of mutual trust. By consistently thinking of and working on trust building, any leader will reap long-term positive benefits.
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