Over 50% of employees don’t trust their boss.*
5 reasons leaders seem dishonest:
- Pretending things are better than they are.
- Holding your nose in the air. Arrogant leaders sacrifice others to protect their image.
- Remaining isolated. You have to be seen to be trusted. Distance creates distrust.
- Guarding the good ole boys club. Everyone sees how you pretend your team is always right.
- Withholding information. People wonder what you’re up to when they don’t know what you’re up to.
12 ways to create feelings of trust:
- Confront problems. Back-peddlers can’t be trusted. When tough issues come up, stand up.
- Demonstrate care for people. Engage in behaviors that express compassion, empathy, and understanding. Successful leaders show heart. You’re more likely to do what’s best for people you care for.
- Never put others down, even when you’re dealing with performance issues.
- Stand with your team, when things go wrong. Cockroach-leaders run for cover when the lights come on. Don’t deny things went wrong. Loyalty matters most when times are tough. People stand with leaders who stand with them.
- Explore options.
- Avoid snap decisions.
- Be sad with optimism. Wipe that fake smile off your face. Don’t pretend that dark days aren’t that dark, but keep pressing into the future, whatever you do.
- Admit you don’t know. “Fake it till you make it” never works when it comes to answers. If you don’t know, say so. Commit to find out.
- Stay calm and steady.
- Invite feedback. Say, “Thank you,” when people tell you what they think.
- Give decisions and authority to others, even while you remain responsible. Trust others, if you expect them to trust you.
- Help others get where they want to go, as long as it helps your organization.
What makes people distrustful?
How might leaders create feelings of trust?