4 phrases to help build trust with employees

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Trust is the foundation of a healthy company culture.

1. I understand you

There can be no trust without understanding. And in order to understand someone, you need to get to know him. It is desirable even before taking on joint work. It sounds like something obvious, but many go straight to the problem setting, skipping this important step. Although it's like skydiving without checking the mount.

There are four generations in the job market now: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Centennials. Their values and preferences are quite different, and if you don't take this into account, problems can arise. Try to understand everyone's goals, needs, strengths, and pain points. By demonstrating genuine interest, you can find common ground and build trusting communication.

2. I appreciate you

After you get to know the person better, demonstrate that they are important to you by acknowledging their values, motives, strengths, and contributions. This will prove that you truly see him. In itself, this is not difficult, but endless tasks often distract from this and do not leave time for personal communication. Very often people who have been working together for years do not know important things about each other. Although this knowledge could create connections between colleagues and improve their interaction.

Another common mistake is to ignore accomplishments, but spot failures right away. This makes it difficult to build fruitful relationships and often leads to employee leaving. According to polls, 79% of those who quit said the main reason for leaving was that they were not appreciated.

3. You can rely on me

Try to understand what kind of support the person needs. Ask what success is for him and what he would like from you. Remember that supporting doesn't automatically mean agreeing with everything. This means considering the interests of the other, even when they conflict with yours. This behavior will show that you respect and value the person.

Think of this as part of the contract. Do not limit yourself to discussing responsibilities, define expectations from teamwork and personal needs of the person (preferences in communication, the need to participate in decision-making). This will create a foundation of trust.

4. I tell you the truth

So, you have a foundation, which means that now it is easier for you to cope with conflicts. Because even during a difficult conversation, the interlocutor will understand that your words are backed up by respect. So when a disagreement arises or a difficult topic comes up, don't delay resolving it.

It's all like taking care of the house. Dealing with a problem before it grows to a massive scale will result in less hassle. Plus, conflict is an opportunity for creativity and change. If you behave correctly in them, mutual trust will only grow stronger.

All of these steps require a conscious effort and many people forget about them, focusing on day-to-day tasks and deadlines. But this is very important. Trust will help create an environment of psychological safety. Amy Edmondson of Harvard Business School defines this as "an atmosphere in which people feel comfortable being themselves."