7 Steps to Building Trust in the Workplace
- 1. Adapted from “Seven Steps to Building Trust in the Workplace” by Shana Bosler 7Steps to Building Trust in the Workplace As a leader of an organisation, department or team, building trust in the workplace is important to the overall success of your department and company. Here’s how you can build this rapport.
- 2. 1. Be as transparent as possible. Being transparent and accurate will help earn credibility with employees who have an Analytical preference. Accurate and credible information is important for them, not just the points that support one perspective.
- 3. 2.Follow through on your commitments. When you say you’re going to do something, do it. This action will foster trust in those with a Structural preference because they feel a sense of appreciation when timelines and expectations are met.
- 4. 3.Show care for others. It is important for those with a Social preference to know that people and relationships are part of your organisation’s and your own decision-making process. Demonstrate that you care for and value your people.
- 5. 4.Connect to the bigger picture. People with a Conceptual preference need to understand the vision for the company and themselves. To build trust in the workplace, communicate about the bigger picture and the hope for the future.
- 6. 5.Communicate conscientiously. Expressiveness connects to the way that your team members process information. Some will be internal processors and need time before responding. Others will want to talk through their thoughts. Provide information in multiple ways like email, over the phone and in person. Give others a chance to talk and take time to listen.
- 7. 6.Manage conversation and conflict respectfully. Assertiveness is the style and pace with which you advance your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Some will advance their ideas in a more peacekeeping manner, while others will be direct in promoting their opinions. Calmly mediate discussions and encourage open conversation. Set norms that allow for challenging ideas so long as it is done thoughtfully.
- 8. 7.Be open to different approaches. Flexibility measures your willingness to accommodate the thoughts and actions of others. Some will prefer to commit to an approach, while others welcome change even after a decision is made. To build confidence, show that you are open to different ideas and perspectives than your own. Once a decision is made stick with it, and if it must change, be transparent about why a new approach is being taken. OTHER WAY THIS WAY THAT WAY