Trust begets trust. The best way to get your team to trust you is to trust them. Hire for trust. Require trust. Rid your team of untrustworthy players. And then, show your team how much you trust them. Here’s how.
1. Set Audacious Goals
Oh sure your team may grumble. But there’s no greater gift you can give your team than leading them toward head-turning results. Set the bar high and then look them in the eye, “I believe in you. I know what this team is capable of. Now let’s figure out just how, together.” Show trust by believing it’s possible.
2. Tell The Truth
Even when it’s hard. Don’t sugarcoat the bad news. Play it straight. Show trust by treating them like grown-ups.
3. Invite Them To Come Along
I’ll never forget of my best first bosses, Gail. She would constantly take me along to senior level meetings, arguing that “no one could explain it better” than I could. Of course that wasn’t true, she was one of the most gifted explainers I know. But she trusted I would do okay, and was secure enough to give up the spotlight. I’ve been amazed at how many bosses are afraid to give such opportunities to their team. Show trust by sharing the stage.
4. Admit What You Don’t Know
Show your team you trust them by admitting you don’t have all the answers. Trust them with your concerns. Trust them with your questions. Show trust by being real.
5. Encourage Them to Meet Without You
This one took me a minute to get used to ( you can read about that here) , but a great way to show trust in your team is to give them a big hairy problem and ask them to meet to figure it out. Make sure that any information and parameters they may need gets out of your head and into theirs first, otherwise they’ll spin their wheels. Show trust by getting out of the way.
6. Tell Them
This one might seem obvious or even silly, but I guarantee it can’t hurt. Can you imagine how good it would feel to hear, “I really trust you because_________.” Show trust by telling them why.
7. Forgive Them
If your team screws up, talk about it, help them learn, and then move on. Show trust by letting it go.
Trust Across America has once again released their list of Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trusted Business Behavior. See the list (and lots of other great content) in their lastest online issue of Trust Magazine . I feel very honored and humbled to be included with such amazing trust leaders.
Are you looking to build greater trust with your team? I’d love to help.
Your turn. What are the best ways to show your team you trust them?