“Trust is not built overnight; it is developed through consistent and intentional actions.”
Building trust in the workplace is crucial for any young leader. For the Christ follower who wants to grow their influence building trust is an essential part of a healthy witness of who Jesus is in your life. Trust is the “language” of effective communication, teamwork, and overall organizational success. As part of your Christian character trust is intrinsically intertwined with how others view your integrity. Trust can be gained passively over time; however, it is wise to consider ways you can proactively work to gain trust with those around you. Here are ways you can positively invest in others around you and build trust in your relationship with them.
Ensure that your advice, feedback, and directives you give are rooted in the mission.
Organizations have differing purposes and missions so you may be asking why it is important to be mission-focused? Because consistency is the foundation to grow trust. You must not only be consistent in what you say and do with the same person, you must also be consistent with everyone across the organization. Yes, a person will lose trust in you if you are inconsistent with them, but you will also diminish your trust with them if they see you are inconsistent with what you tell others. That’s why all your inputs, whether insights or constructive feedback, need to align with the purpose and values of the organization. Think of them as an operating system for your feedback. If you start with these, your guidance and advice will have a thread of consistency through them that will be recognized. A bonus is you are also modeling and teaching this way of thinking to your team which will increase communication and alignment.
Don’t Shift Blame; Take Accountability Toward Solutions
Accountability is another cornerstone of trust. When mistakes happen, and they will, it is important to avoid the initial reaction to shift blame onto others. Instead, as the leader, take immediate responsibility and turn the focus on finding solutions. While it is important not to cover your team and hide details of a mistake you should acknowledge that, as their leader, you have responsibility within the situation. Offer solutions to not only fix the present issue but to increase any training that can prevent future issues. Turn focus on what has been learned and what will be better. By demonstrating that you are willing to own up to your mistakes and learn from them, you set a powerful example for your team. This approach encourages a culture of accountability where everyone feels safe to take risks and innovate, knowing that mistakes are opportunities for growth rather than reasons for blame.
Solicit Feedback on How You Help Others or Unintentionally Create Barriers
Building trust also involves being open to feedback. As a leader, it is crucial to understand how your actions and decisions impact your team. Regularly seek feedback on how you are supporting your team members and identify any unintentional barriers you might be creating. This will help you make the necessary adjustments and demonstrate that you value your team’s input. Encouraging open communication and actively listening to feedback fosters a culture of mutual respect and trust.
Trust is not built overnight; it is developed through consistent and intentional actions. By keeping your guidance mission-based, taking accountability, and seeking feedback, you can create a trustworthy environment where your team feels valued and confident in your leadership. Remember, trust is the glue that holds a team together and drives success. As a young leader, investing in building trust will not only enhance your team’s performance but also contribute to your growth and development as an effective and respected leader.