Building Trust in your Teams: 10 Practical Strategies
Looking to strengthen relationships in your teams? We’re sharing our top tips for building trust at work and making it a core part of your company culture.
Building trust in your teams has never mattered more. A recent study shows us that workplaces with a high reported level of trust boast 50% higher employee productivity. And that people who trust their employers experience 74% less stress and 40% less burnout (1).
The message of this research is clear. Trust is not a bonus or a luxurious nice-to-have. It’s essential for your company’s growth.
That’s why, today, I'm sharing 10 practical ways to build trust.
10 Ways to Build Trust in the Workplace
1. Own Up To It
Remember the fundamentals; admit when you’re wrong, admit when you don't know the answer, and, most importantly, tell the truth.
2. If You've Said You’ll Do It, Do It
If you're meant to do something, follow through. Don't try to avoid it or hand it off at the last minute. This one can really frustrate your people.
3. Clearly Articulate your Thoughts
Clearly communicate your ideas and intentions, and the reasons behind your decisions. Understanding you leads to trusting you.
4. Show Vulnerability
Be real and don't shy away from showing your emotions. In doing so, you show your authenticity, which strengthens the connections with your people.
5. Listen with Intent
If you keep talking over someone, they will eventually stop contributing. So it’s important to master the art of listening. Be present, limit distractions and be comfortable with silence.
6. Always be Inclusive
Invite others to regularly share their ideas and thoughts by making it a part of every meeting. Be curious and welcome different perspectives.
7. Recognise Often
Remember, celebrate all wins! Regular feedback and in-the-moment recognition amongst your people goes a long way.
8. Promote Face Time
Regular 1:1 meetings (either virtually or in-person) give you a space to connect with your people on both a personal and professional level. People want more time with you than you think.
9. Watch your Reactions
You’ve got to engage your emotional intelligence at work. Watch your body language. Don't jump in to dismiss or laugh off a colleague’s idea or point of view. Appreciate sensitivities, and show empathy wherever you can.
10. Focus on Outcomes, not Inputs
Your people are likely juggling a lot. Give them space and trust that what's expected is getting done. As we discussed previously, outcome-focused businesses win.
Overcoming a lack of trust should be a top priority for all leaders. Of course, it takes time. But the results are well worth it.
Frankli helps build a culture of trust by giving people the tools to manage their own performance, exchange feedback, and schedule and host 1:1 meetings. You can find out more at frankli.io.
Introduction: Companies with a high reported level of trust boast higher employee productivity and lower levels of stress and burnout. Here’s now to build a culture of trust in your workplace.
1. Own Up To It. Admit when you’re wrong, admit when you don't know the answer, and tell the truth.
2. If You've Said You’ll Do It, Do It. Follow through on your promises.
3. Clearly Articulate your Thoughts. Clearly communicate your intentions and the reasons behind your decisions.
4. Show Vulnerability. This strengthens connections with your people.
5. Listen with Intent. If you keep talking over someone, they will eventually stop contributing. It’s important to master the art of listening.
6. Always be Inclusive. Invite others to regularly share their ideas and thoughts.
7. Recognise Often. Remember, celebrate all wins! Regular feedback goes a long way.
8. Promote Face Time. Regular 1:1 meetings (either virtually or in-person) give you a space to connect with your people.
9. Watch your Reactions. Appreciate sensitivities, and show empathy wherever you can.
10. Focus on Outcomes, not Inputs. Give your people space and trust that what's expected is getting done.
_Frankli helps build a culture of trust by giving people the tools to manage their own performance, exchange feedback, and schedule and host 1:1 meetings. You can find out more at frankli.io.
1. Edelman, Trust Barometer 2020.
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