Posted by Trust is the basis for building strong teams, creating a positive work culture and delivering good results. It is also a place for people to share their challenges and goals to reach their potential individually or as a team. So, what can you do as a leader or a reliable colleague to build a high level of trust among your colleagues?
Always tell the truth
It may sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to slip. What if your colleague asks if you’ve finished a task you’ve neglected? You could choose to make an apology, or you could just acknowledge that you’ve forgotten about it, and you’re going to do it now. Even though your peers may see you as unreliable for a moment, at the very least, you are being truthful instead of giving an excuse or the worst of lying.
Act with integrity and maintain commitments
Integrity comes in a variety of forms, but the most significant characteristics expected at the workplace are dependability, honesty, loyalty and good judgment. Being an individual at work, having integrity means:
- That your actions are consistent with your words
- That you’re trustworthy, dependable and honest
- That you communicate honestly and openly
- That you have the right values, and behaviours that reflect these values
- That you will admit to your mistakes and be open to show your concerns
Pay attention to nonverbal signals
Non-verbal communication comprises your general body language, which involves your facial appearance and body posture as a type of communication at the workplace. Instead of verbal communication, individuals can interact through non-verbal gestures, such as facial expressions and eye contact. Some important non-verbal gestures, such as eye contact, nodding to indicate affirmation or interest, can help build trust.
Listen with intent
Don’t just wait for a chance to speak when you’re engaged in a discussion. Think seriously about what the person had to say before he even asked a question. People will continue to engage with you if they know that you’re listening. Listening with intent is based on the principle of confirming understanding. Try the following 6 steps to practice your listening skills:
- Talk me through your problem.
- Listen to the problem and repeat the key points to validate your understanding.
- Ask if you have got the facts right. Did you miss out anything?
- If there is something you are not aware or unfamiliar with, ask the right person to fill the missing piece of information.
- Do the same for the other person, just in case there any missing gaps for them.
- Confirm with actions, if any, you need to take as a result of the conversation.
Take responsibility for your failures
When things go south, and you are to be blamed, the first reaction would probably blame others. Not only does this create a rift between you and your peers that you blame, but it badly impacts your ability to build trust with the people you work. No-one trusts or even remotely work with a blamer because you never know what a person could be saying behind your back. People can see that you have honesty if you hold accountability for your failures and errors. Your honesty and transparency can lead individuals to recognise your shortcomings.
What is your take on building trust among your colleagues? Leave us your thoughts on the comment sections below. Head over to Jobstore.com and unveil your next job opportunity.
You Jing is a content writer who writes career and lifestyle contents to inspire job seekers and employers alike on their journey to work-life balance, empowerment and transformation in their career path.
Reach me at youjing@jobstore.com