Good Leadership Is Driven by Trust
There’s a saying in business that “employees don’t quit jobs, they quit managers.” The relationship people have with their immediate supervisor is one of the most important factors that determine how they feel about their place of work. Some of the attributes that color the manager/employee dynamic are obvious; they want to be spoken to civilly and have their voices heard, for example.
But perhaps even more important, and a little less self-apparent, is the employees’ desire to trust their leadership. People want to believe that they are working for honest and ethical managers. If trust is broken, it is very difficult to build back up. Here are some ways to build and maintain it with your team.
Treat Everyone Fairly and Equally
Fairness is a key ingredient in trust. While all employees must be managed slightly differently, it’s important to not create the impression of favoritism. Show fair leadership by spreading out difficult tasks, as well as fun ones. Praise and discipline uniformly. If there is an issue with one employee, address it privately with them, rather than vaguely with the whole team.
Be Open and Honest When You Can
Transparency is also important. No-one wants to work for a boss who is keeping secrets. While managers sometimes must withhold information, they need to be honest when that is the case. Always reveal as much as is appropriate, but don’t be afraid to say, “I’m sorry, I can’t talk about that, but I’ll let you know when I can.” People will respect that honest approach.
Always Do What You Say You Will
Leadership relies heavily on accountability. Managers should be just as accountable to their staffs as their employees are to them. Your word must be your bond. If you say you are going to do something, do it. If you run into delays, be proactive and explain.
Keep Employees Engaged
Managers who go out of the way to interact with their employees, or go the extra mile to keep them engaged will earn respect. Bringing in snacks, or planning teambuilding exercises are great things to do. Sometimes, it can be as simple as taking time to ask questions and have a genuine interest in their life. Always encourage feedback. Ask people how they feel a project is going. If employees feel like their voice and opinion matter, they will stay engaged.
Trust and respect are earned, but these are easy skills to master. Make them second-nature, and your employees and bosses will appreciate you even more!
