The New York Times recently defined a good workplace as one where "management trusts the employees and where employees trust the management." Polls collaborate this. When asked about what matters to them employees consistently put trust on the top of the list. In fact, in a recent large employee survey, 91% of employees sited "being trusted to get a job done" as the #1 factor that that made them feel successful and satisfied in their job. Twenty years of research at the Great Place to Work Institute reveals further evidence that trust between managers and employees is the defining characteristic of the very best workplaces.
Trust does matter, and not just to employees, but also to the success of the organization. In his best-selling book,
The Speed of Trust, Stephen M. Covey states that it is trust that leads to business success. His formula for trust begins with the leader demonstrating four characteristics:
INTEGRITY + INTENT + CAPABILITIES + RESULTS = TRUST
INTEGRITY
Description: Your character and honesty
What it means: Telling the truth and straight talk
Description: Your plan, purpose and motives
What it means: Doing right and doing good
Description: Your talent, skill, knowledge and style
What it means: Being competent and respectful
Description: Your track record
What it means: Being reliable and consistent over time
When leaders demonstrate these four characteristics, they inspire others and strengthen relationships. Integrity, Intent, Capability and Results each play a key role in building trust.
Praise others! Spend more time recognizing rather than blaming;
