In his book, ‘The Speed of Trust’, Stephen Covey makes the point that where trust exists in teams and in relationships, things happen faster. Where there is a lack of trust, things take longer to do as people slow down as they are not sure about who and what they are dealing with.
Team members who trust each other are happier and more effective. As with most things that happen at a cultural level, the leader is responsible for establishing trust with a team.
Here are five things you can do to promote trust amongst your team members.
1. Tell it straight. Be a straight shooter and a straight talker. Make sure that everyone believes that what you say is the truth. Ensure that they don’t have to second guess what comes out of your mouth.
2. Clarify expectations. Make sure that everyone knows exactly what you expect from them and exactly what they can expect from you.
3. Be reliable. Deliver on your promises or don’t make them. Letting people down will lead them to doubt you and your intentions in the future. Don’t give them reason to do this.
4. Be accountable. Take ownership of the outcomes of your actions. Put your hand up if you stuff up.
5. Face the tough stuff. Don’t dodge difficult decisions or conversations. Show others that you have the courage to lead by facing up to difficulties.
These should be the actions of you as the leader, but you should create an environment or culture where everyone buys in and creates trust in the team.
