Tips: You can build trust ...
Do you have to trust someone in order 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 the extreme circumstances, you fall into a sink hole. Trust, as a character trait, ranks as a must have when we talk about 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? I think 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, how do you rate 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 on your team. Showing disrespect to others creates doubt.
Create Transparency
If you are a leader of a business or group, that is 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 results that he set out to deliver.
Get Better
John Maxwell writes about the Law of Process, I speak about continuous improvement, others say if you are not growing you are dying … get better!
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
Listen … 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 … pretty simple
Extend Trust
People should not have to prove that 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 on a regular basis. I challenge you to write down these traits, and make it a point to actively 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?
Pinnacle Sales is an Executive & Business Coaching firm, dedicated to continuous improvement. We focus on developing tomorrows leaders by building a strong foundation using principles of thought leaders like John Maxwell & Zig Ziglar.