Staff Cohesion: PART 6 of 12 - How Building Trust Impacts Staff Cohesion
This week I am sharing with you the sixth of twelve key categories I believe are important in building unprecedented staff cohesion: Building Trust.
Last week we embarked upon the topic of Recognition and how it can positively impact staff cohesion. This week I am writing about how trust impacts staff cohesion. I could focus on how a lack of trust depletes and destroys an organization but as many of you know me, I prefer to focus on the solution rather than the problem. So let’s walk through this together, shall we?
There are five components for building trust I will focus on this week: Building Trust, Showing up (aka Reliability), Confidentiality, Trust’s Impact on Innovation, and Trust from the Top, Down and All Around.
Building Trust: The Heartfelt Bonds of Reliability and Confidentiality
Trust, my friends, is the glue that holds us all together in any organization. But it's not something that just happens; it's built, nurtured, and grown through two simple yet profound qualities: reliability and confidentiality. When we've got trust, it's like a warm hug or a past on the back that encourages us to take risks and dream big. And this trust-building magic? It needs to happen everywhere, from the CEO to every level of responsibility, creating a bond that's tighter than ever before.
Reliability: The Rock We Can Lean On
Reliability is like that dependable friend who's always there when you need them. It's not about grand gestures; it's about doing what you say you'll do. When we can rely on our teammates, it's like having a safety net beneath us. We know they've got our backs, no matter what. This reliability isn't just about the big stuff; it's in the little things too. It's about showing up, being accountable, and following through on our commitments. When we're reliable, we create a haven of trust where collaboration flows effortlessly. Being reliable also means you are willing to admit when you have made a mistake…showing up imperfectly human. As people experience each other willing to humble themselves, trust grows tenfold.
Confidentiality: Keeping Secrets and Hearts Safe
Confidentiality is like holding someone's heart in your hands, promising to protect it with all your might. No, you don’t have to become lovey-dovey every minute of the work day. It's about treating sensitive information like treasure, sharing it only with those who need to know. When we've got confidentiality, it's like having a sacred space where we can open up without fear. Team members need to feel their thoughts, ideas, and personal stuff will be handled with care and kept private. This level of trust encourages us to bare our souls, leading to deeper connections and a tighter-knit team which then leads to being happily productive and effective.
Trust: The Magic Yet Difficult Ingredient
Now, here's where it gets really magical and REALLY difficult for many. You may need to take some deep breaths in order to let go and trust those around you. Many of us can be so used to the adrenaline rush we get when our success is acknowledged that we fear sharing that opportunity with others. However, trust breeds courage and sparks innovation. When we trust each other, we create room for everyone to lessen their fear of taking risks. And, when we trust one another, we know that even if things go a little haywire, our team has our backs. This attitude creates an environment where we're not afraid to experiment and push boundaries. We share our wild ideas, knowing they'll be valued and safeguarded and even celebrated. It's this trust that sets the stage for creativity to flourish, propelling our organizations and staff to new heights.
Trust: From Top, Down, and All Around
Building trust isn't something reserved for the bigwigs or specific roles (while it may need to start with, and be modeled by, them); it's for all of us. Whether you're a manager, team lead, or the friendly staff at the front desk, your commitment to reliability and confidentiality matters. Trust is a collective effort, and it blossoms when every one of us pitches in. When folks from all walks of our organization trust and support each other, it creates a heartwarming environment where staff cohesion reaches levels that are out of this world. I am sure no one will be surprised to know that this shift on the inside also improves client satisfaction on the outside.
Conclusion: A Culture of Trust and Care
In conclusion, trust is the lifeblood of a cohesive and successful organization. It's established through actions that demonstrate reliability and confidentiality. This trust empowers individuals to take risks, embrace innovation, and share their ideas openly. It should be nurtured at all levels of responsibility, creating a culture where staff cohesion reaches unprecedented heights.
Reflection and Sharing
Clearly I had a lot to say about Building Trust. Now, I would love for you to reflect a bit:
How do you define trust for you on a personal level?
What would trust look like for you in the workplace?
Is it easy, difficult, or somewhere in-between for you to trust others? Where would you like to be with trust and how can you get there?
Building unprecedented staff cohesion relies upon building trust. By taking these steps, you'll be contributing to a workplace where trust is not just a buzzword but a lived experience. Together, we can create environments where unprecedented staff cohesion thrives, and everyone feels valued and united in their pursuit of success. Trust starts with us, so let's cultivate it together.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts and experiences on this week’s topic! So, please share them with me!
In solidarity and with love,
Misha Safran, PCC, MA
Leader and Organizational Trainer and Coach, Author, and Speaker
