Trust is important and how to build it

Most leaders know that team members must trust each so that they can perform at optimum levels. However, building trust is not clearly understood.

Knightsbridge published the "Trust Hierarchy". You determine the level at which trust has been eroded and then start building at that point.

Once trust has been established at that level, then work on building trust at the next level up the hierarchy until trust is strong at all four levels.

The "Trust Hierarchy":

1. Connection: I know you - encourage informal time among team members to help them connect.

2. Confidence: I think you are capable - encourage team members to discuss where team members feel there could be lack of capability. Get team to understand their individual strengths and weaknesses and look for opportunities to partner team members with complementary strengths and skills.

3. Reliability: I expect you to deliver - improve communication so that expectations are crystal clear. Set milestones.

4. Integrity: I believe you are on my side - bring in an external coach for sessions between two or more team members. Team members must first understand and take ownership for violating trust.

Building trust is a long, slow process but the benefits are worth the effort!

Let's talk about trust. Contact me Valerie.MacLeod@HainesCentre.com