Trust is vital to good leadership. As an employer, you can’t simply expect your employees to trust you right from the start. Trust is built through kindness, support, compassion and—most of all—patience on behalf of an employer. Trust helps employers inspire their staff to accomplish great things. Distrust does just the opposite.
When employees do not trust their employer, the workplace becomes an ugly and even hostile place. Turnover is frequent. Bad employee attitudes are common. Productivity suffers. Distrust can greatly diminish what a department—or an entire company—is able to accomplish. For this reason, you do not want to be the type of employer your staff does not trust. But what types of management traits make employees apprehensive?
Possible reasons your employees may not trust you—and what you can do about it
- You come off as arrogant. Long gone are the days of management acting like royalty. Your staff will trust and admire you if they feel they can relate to you as a person. Your goal is to maintain a warm, professional relationship by simply communicating with your employees regularly. Ask them how they are, how their work is going, etc. and listen to their answers. If they ask for help, provide it.
- You’re too standoffish. In other words, you don’t roll up your sleeves and work side by side with your staff. Issuing commands from inside your office can create an us versus them barrier that makes you seem uncaring and out of touch. To build trust with your employees, It’s important to help out every once in awhile. This can also help you understand job roles and processes, which will make you a better manager overall.
- Your employees suspect a hidden agenda. If you leave your business intentions a mystery, employees may feel you’re so focused on your own career that you’re ignoring their individual efforts. To prevent this situation, let people in on the “secret.” Help your staff understand what you and the company are trying to accomplish, and how their individual roles fit into the mix.
- You lack compassion. Sure, leaders must be a little tough to gain the respect of their employees and get the job done. Still, showing employees you care about their well-being and career development is important. Don’t be afraid to lead with kindness and understanding.
- Employees perceive you as a corporate robot. Everyone is human, even the boss. People admire those whom they can identify with. You can get to know your employees—their interests, dreams and goals—without getting too personal. Finding common ground helps people bond and builds trust.
Gain your employees’ trust and strengthen your company
It’s easy to do with just a little effort. Take a genuine interest in the people you manage and watch them grow to trust you, your professional opinion and your goals for the company. In other words, help your employees help you.
