If you’re looking for a good example of how to build trust in the workplace, there is one person you should consider. He wasn’t the owner of a small company or the CEO of a huge organization. Instead, he was known for saying the above quote in his inaugural address right before his country was becoming a “house divided.”
Still unsure of who he is? His nickname, “Honest Abe,” is a name that Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, worked diligently to maintain, both as a lawyer and as a politician. Throughout his career, Lincoln strived to be honest in his words and his deeds. He was genuine with people. He spoke directly about why he was doing what he was doing. He met tough issues head on. He was many things a trusted leader needs to be, but he wasn’t perfect. In fact, he would be the first person to tell you his shortcomings and own up to them. In other words, he was transparent, and the people trusted him all the more because of it. And nearly 165 years later, it still holds true today.
In our experience in collaborating with leaders and organizations over the years, transparency leads to higher levels of trust. When teammates see that you’re willing to be honest and open, they’re more likely to trust you. As a result, people feel more satisfied and productivity increases. They feel like they’re a team and can focus on the work, which helps drive them to reach their full potential.
Transparency is just one of five points to keep in mind when you’re working to build trust with others, and to help make it easy to remember, the first letter of each word that we’ll focus on in this email series spells “TRUST.”
- Transparency
- Respect
- Understanding
- Support
- Teamwork
In the next blog, you’ll learn about how respectful leaders are more likely to be trusted by their team, which leads to stronger relationships. Look for that blog on our site soon.
Open Gate Consulting offers a variety of leadership resources to help you on your journey. From individual strengths-based coaching to deep dive courses on topics you are looking for.
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