Trust is the foundation of any successful organization. According to the Leadership Survey conducted by Gallup, employees who trust their leadership are four times more likely to engage and 58% less likely to be seeking a new job. This underscores the importance of integrity, reliability, and empathy in building trust with team members.
In my personal leadership journey working with global teams, it was apparent that what was difficult was getting everyone to align with the same agenda or fight for the common cause, as they say. The most difficult thing is to place the interest of others before yours. Because you didn’t know that they will do the same thing for you. But that is the risk that leaders take, placing the interest of your teams first. When you do that time and time again, over countless situations, I have found something unique happens, there is a shift, people and teams start looking at you differently, this may not be immediate, but you need to continue to be consistent and when you do, things start to shift in a good way.
The change is, teams start working for the greater good, going the extra mile, pushing the envelope for the best of the teams. The 3 key factors that reign supreme when it comes to building trust are:
Integrity
Integrity forms the foundation of trust. Being honest, transparent, and consistent in your actions and communications is crucial for building credibility and reliability as a leader. When team members see you consistently upholding ethical standards and honoring commitments, they are more likely to trust your judgment and follow your lead.
Reliability
Reliability goes hand in hand with integrity. Consistently delivering on promises, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling commitments builds confidence in your leadership abilities. When team members know they can rely on you to follow through, they feel assured and are more likely to trust you with important tasks and decisions.
Empathy
Empathy is essential for building strong interpersonal connections and demonstrating genuine care and concern for others. Showing empathy involves actively listening to team members, understanding their perspectives, and acknowledging their feelings and experiences. When team members feel understood and supported, they are more likely to trust you as a leader and be open to your guidance and direction.
Leaders who uphold ethical standards, consistently deliver on promises, and demonstrate empathy build strong connections with their teams. When team members feel understood and supported, they are more likely to trust their leader’s judgment and follow their lead.
As a leader, it’s crucial to focus on building trust by being honest, transparent, and consistent in your actions and communications. By doing so, you’ll build credibility and reliability as a leader, leading to a more engaged and committed team.
Dinesh Karna – Chief Facilitator & Co MD, AspireUP Consultancy