"Trust Me"

When You Have To Ask For Trust...

Ever notice that when someone starts out saying, "Trust me," you have an equal and opposite reaction?  If a person has to ask for my trust, they have likely not yet EARNED my trust.  Trust is built over time and with experience.  Employees won't trust you because of your title, your credentials, or the number of letters behind your name. 

Building the Bridge

It sometimes takes years to build trust within a workplace.  You have to prove yourself.  You have to be consistent, predictable, and honorable.  It's like building a bridge from both shores.  You have to work every day at building the span.  Take time to get to know your people.  Take time to care about their interests.  Let them know who you are and what you care about.  People will trust that which is familiar and comfortable to them. 

Seek First to Trust, Then to be Trusted

Employees begin to trust you when you first extend trust to them.  You have to extend the olive branch out there first.  Employees will see how you want to believe in them, and they will reciprocate.

Be Seen

Employees need to see you out and about in your workplace.  Do not just reside in your office, whereby employees are expected to come see you if they need you.  Keep in mind also that familiarity breeds a sense of comfort, and that bridges over to trust. 

Your Word Is Your Sword

Keep your word.  Employees gauge your trustworthiness on how you act upon your promises.  If you have to break a promise, ask permission to break it BEFOREHAND.  Don't make a promise if you have no intention (or control) to keep it.  Be vary frugal with promises so that you don't accidently overcommit yourself and lose credibility.

The Golden Rule

Talk to employees as you would want to be talked to.  Don't talk over their heads or under their noses. 

You're Always On-Stage

Watch your mood.  If you're in a bad mood, then try to avoid contact for a while.  Your employees should see your best each and every time.  You are "On-Stage" with your employees every time you walk around the workplace.  They are watching.  Remember that everything communicates something. 

Loose Lips Sink Ships!

Trust is quickly lost when Managers violate an employee's confidentiality.  You will never get an employee (or his/her co-workers) to open up to you if you're the "loose lips" type.

Keep Them Informed

Employees crave to be informed.  Lack of information causes a rise in gossip and rumors to overtake the organization.  If a Manager is effective with communicating regularly, frequently and wisely, the employee will trust the Manager's information over their co-worker's gossip of "have you heard the latest?"

Summary:  These principles are not difficult to grasp, but sadly, are distant to some managers.  Be the type of manager who would be described as the "best boss they ever had!"  Like in any relationship, trust starts with small steps of doing the right thing and grows with on-going experience.  Do the small things that mean a lot! You'll find that trust doesn't have to be asked for, but will be given as a gift back to you.