Building a High Trust Environment

28 January 2023

Start at the top. Be transparent and honest about how you’re steering the organisation through rough waters. Communicate clearly and model trust by allowing people to ask any questions on their minds. Let your people know you’re all in it together.

Resist the urge to micromanage. Difficult economic times can bring a sense of urgency, and leaders often want to get more involved with their teams so they can feel in control. This sends a message of mistrust and can even interfere with their team’s ability to get work done. Look for ways to support your team without taking over. For example, a clear execution plan—complete with clear goals, measurement, and the right coaching—will build trust and boost your team’s performance more than trying to do their jobs yourself.

Handle conflict fairly and effectively. Your team needs to know that you don’t ignore problems, especially when they threaten performance or job satisfaction. Create regular opportunities for people to raise issues and be straightforward about what actions you decide to take in response. When team members see you consistently handling conflicts in a fair way, they trust that you’ll be fair with them too.

Recognise and celebrate people’s work. Show that you notice and value every team member’s contributions, even small ones. Gratitude leads to better interpersonal relationships and builds a sense of community that can be an anchor to help steady people in difficult times.

Support career development. When team members know you’re invested in their growth, they develop trust and loyalty. Prioritizing development during difficult economic times can also help you expand the set of skills in your team’s wheelhouse.

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