TRUST GOES BOTH WAYS: The do’s and don’ts of building trust and respect with employees
Trust is an important part of every relationship - yes, that means at work as well! As a leader, it is crucial to set the tone of trust in the workplace. Trust is a two-way street that will help build productivity, morale, and loyalty if you DO the right thing. Here is a list of the DO’s and DON’TS regarding building trust and respect in the workplace!
DO:
Be Dependable and Available
When your employees need you, you better be there. Being available requires you to make time to build that sense of community with your employees. It is also important to ask your employees for feedback and show that you are readily available to improve yourself and your team.
Be Honest and Supportive
You need to approach your employees as a steward that is ready to help them grow into their best version. It is important to be transparent and share any information with your employees from up the chain.It’s more respectable when a manager openly talks to and supports employees during a difficult time or situation. This requires you to really develop your listening skills as a manager and empathize with your team. Create that workplace where all people matter, and all are welcome.
Connect and Cooperate
You must make the time to get to know your staff and what they need to perform at their best. Make the time to ask them questions about their tasks and if they need your assistance on anything. Also, make a point to connect with them beyond the office as your workers are human beings and not just numbers.
DON’T:
Micromanage
You really need to step back. Micromanaging will lead to a massive breakdown of any trust that was once there. If you want to show your employees that you trust them, you should not be breathing down their neck regarding every task. Give your employees a sense of autonomy in the workplace and allow them to have that space to complete their tasks to the best of their ability without your opinion every step of the way.
Command
As an effective manager, you should encourage and not command. The old style of command leadership is no longer tolerated, and your employees will be gone fast if you utilize this tactic. There is no need to control or command your staff if you trust them to do the work. Watch your tone when speaking to your employees and develop, not demand.
Call out
The goal is to grow your employees and your business. The only thing you do when you “call someone out” in a meeting or in front of other employees is rip them right out of the ground. It is truly embarrassing and can make someone feel resentment towards you. In that singular moment, all trust is now gone as your employee feels defeated and left in the dirt.
DON’T worry either -- it is not too late to build trust with your employees! You have to start implementing these changes now. The goal is to create a workplace culture built solely on trust that engages your employees by being a dependable, honest, and cooperative leader!
