Building Trust in a Leader and Organization

Trust in a leader and the organization as a whole is one of the most valuable things you can develop as a leader. Teams and organizations that have a high level of trust are more productive, innovative, and creative, and people are willing to take risks for them.

It takes a lot of effort to build trust, and it isn’t something that happens automatically. It comes from a conscious effort to walk your talk, keep your promises, and align your behaviors with your purpose and values.

To do this, you must show people how much you care about them. You can do this by recognizing and rewarding accomplishments, communicating openly about decisions and processes, and listening to your team members. You can also do this by actively supporting and understanding your team members, even when they make mistakes.

Emotional trust is a bit more challenging to foster, but it’s crucial for creating a positive work culture and building strong relationships. It’s a result of knowing that you have each other’s backs, and that everyone is respected and valued for their contributions.

To foster emotional trust, try doing an activity like this: Divide participants into groups and give them 15 minutes to build the tallest tower they can using any materials they choose (like plastic cups or pipe-cleaners). The group that builds the highest tower wins. This is a great way to start conversations about how people can support each other in difficult situations and create a safe space for discussing emotional challenges (Bonior, 2018). This article originally appeared on The Leadership Chronicle. building trust