#292: 13 Behaviors to Build Trust

My first year here, I wanted to quit every day. Now I am filled with gratitude that I work with these people

What would you think if one of your team members said something like this?

"During my first year or so, I couldn't stand the way the management team treated me. I prayed for the strength to quit every day".

I had a previous client that told me how grateful and happy they were at their job. During our conversation, she mentioned how the team treated her and how special they made her feel. This is the type of story you want from a team member. However, it was a great story until I asked if everyone felt the same in the organization.

I learned that the same team that treats this client like a queen today was the same that made her want to quit when she first started at the company. Why? The answer was simple. Until she proved she would deliver, she had no trust or respect from that team. The ingrained culture of the company was that everyone had to earn trust and respect.

Water will find its level

Trust and respect are like a swimming pool. When we meet someone for the first time, some leaders believe as I do, that their pool is filled to the top with water. Then, in each instance of someone doing something negative, a hole is punched in the side of the pool. The leaks start at the top and then work their way down to the bottom. Each puncture creates a lower level of trust as the water finds its new level.

Too many leaders start with an empty pool and only pour water in when the employee delivers over and. over again. But unfortunately, it takes a long time to fill that pool and earn this person's trust. 

Which type of leader are you? 

Do you have to trust someone to work for them?

When you have trust issues with a colleague, leader, or subordinate, you are not standing on solid ground with them. At times, you may feel like you are sinking, and in extreme circumstances, you fall into a sinkhole. Therefore, as a character trait, trust ranks as a must-have when discussing leadership.

John Maxwell writes in his "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" about the Law of Solid Ground. What does it mean to you to be on solid ground with someone? We can all easily state that we either trust someone or not. What is more difficult is to define how to build trust.

Stephen M.R. Covey writes about the 13 Behavior Traits that help a leader build trust. Below you can review this list. So, how do you rate yourself in each of these 13 areas?

13 Behaviors to Build Trust

• Talk Straight

  • Do you beat around the bush? Are you passive-aggressive because you want to avoid direct conflict? People will appreciate and trust others that give it to them straight.

• Demonstrate Respect

  • Truly respect those that are following you and those on your team. Showing disrespect to others creates doubt.

• Create Transparency

  • If you are a leader of a group in serious trouble, you need to be as transparent as possible with your team to maintain trust.

• Right Wrongs

  • If you make a mistake, own up to it quickly and correct it.

• Show Loyalty

  • Not only lead from the front but stand behind your team when they are in the heat of the action

• Deliver Results

  • This is a no-brainer; a good leader will deliver the results he set out to deliver.

• Get Better

  • John Maxwell writes about the Law of Process. I speak about continuous improvement. The message is simple, grow personally and professionally.

• Confront Reality

  • Don't hide from the truth; take on problems and issues head-on

• Clarify Expectation

  • If you want someone to be in at 7:30 sharp, make sure they know that, don't tell them it's okay to come in around 7:30.

• Practice Accountability

  • Own it; whatever it is, the result is on you as a leader. Look in the mirror for blame and out the window to give credit

• Listen First

  • God gave you two ears, two eyes, and one mouth – use them in that proportion. You may have all the answers but listen before you give your input. Make sure you allow a platform for your followers to voice their concerns

• Keep Commitments

  • Say what you will do, do what you say.

• Extend Trust

  • People should not have to prove they are trustworthy; extend a level of trust from the start.

What can you do?

Do you want to improve as a leader? Then exhibit these behaviors regularly. I challenge you to write down these traits and make it a point to show people around you that you can do this. Building trust is a life-long obligation. It never ends. What are you going to do today to show others you are trustworthy?

We often find trust lacking in organizations that have no defined culture. Yet, trust is a cornerstone of a good leader. So, if you are having trouble building or having trust in others, give us a call at the Kole Performance Group. It is hard work today, but it will lead to a better tomorrow.

---

Let’s sit down and find out how we can help you grow as a leader (#8 on the above list). Click on this Calendar Link to learn what tools KPG has to offer!