The one thing guaranteed to build trust with your employees

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Trust lies at the heart of any successful team or workplace. A study by Edelman found that 77% of people believed they could only perform at their best if they trusted their employer. These days, the need for trust is more important than ever. Options for how and where we work are limitless as we embrace personalisation at work. Hybrid and remote working are just not possible without trust at the helm.

As a leader, you play an essential role in creating a culture of trust within your organisation. You set the benchmark for others to follow by example. The impact of leadership goes beyond authority. Ultimately, if someone trusts you, they are more likely to believe and align with the vision and goals of your organisation.

How is trust formed?

The Trust Triangle was formulated to show how there are 3 key drivers that determine trust in a team: authenticity, logic and empathy. The combination provides the foundations of a strong relationship.

Authenticity: If the people who work for you do not feel like you show your true self, they will be less likely to trust you as a leader. For someone to trust you, they need to know that your actions are based on what’s best for everyone, not just yourself.

Logic: If people don’t understand your logic, your communication needs improving or you are misaligned. Either way, if people lack confidence in your ability, they will lack trust too.

Empathy: Employee wellbeing is critical to engaging and retaining talent. If you don’t look after your people, they are less likely to perform for your organisation.

We believe there is one dominant force that encapsulates all of these drivers. It’s the one thing that can help gain the trust of your team. Relationships.

Research reveals that people employed by high-trust organisations report a 60% increase in career satisfaction. Studies have also shown a 50% increase in productivity and a 66% increase in team unity.

When people trust their employer, they are more likely to be happier, improving the employee experience. Satisfied employees are associated with higher productivity and a better team culture.  

6 ways to gain trust as a leader

1. Tell people your name, not your title.

Introduce yourself by your name, and treat people like people, not workers. Human-centred organisations and leaders are more approachable, authentic and enjoyable to be part of.

2. Make actions speak louder than words.

In addition to working towards your organisation’s vision and mission, be conscious of making smaller commitments that you can deliver quickly and easily. This demonstrates that you do what you say you’re going to do. This will help you develop an excellent track record.

3. Create reliable and consistent systems and processes.

Putting systems in place helps build trust between individuals. If everyone knows what to do and what to expect, they will trust the outcome and can work together to achieve a mutual goal.

4. Trust your employees, and they are more likely to trust you.

Ernest Hemingway said, ‘The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.’ Provide opportunities for your team to grow and develop by giving them tasks that might challenge them. This shows that you trust in their ability and can help improve confidence and build your relationship.

5. Use open communication.

Be transparent about what you know and what you don’t. If people feel informed, this can promote a sense of security, providing people with a sense of the direction the business is taking. 

6. Recognise and admit your mistakes.

We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. If you try to cover them up, you will appear less authentic and trustworthy. 

In an era of employer brand, talent attraction has become increasingly influenced by an employer’s reputation. A survey by LinkedIn showed that 94% of people are more likely to apply for a job if the employer has a positive brand reputation. Trustworthy leadership creates a positive brand image. Make your organisation an attractive destination for top talent seeking a supportive and caring work environment.

Final thoughts

Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, said, ‘Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.’

Business is people. People value connections. Connections foster relationships. As a leader, by taking on the responsibility of building and strengthening relationships, you are helping to build the foundations for an employer brand that people trust.

This will help engage, retain and attract the right talent for your organisation.

For more insights, visit the Heart Talent blog.