The Importance Of Trust In A Workplace

Published by Algorithmic Global on February 10, 2020February 10, 2020

Trust is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something, and implementing trust is the difference-maker when developing a team in any workplace. It is also a topic that most managers do not reflect on daily. 

The failure to produce trust with co-workers, peers and team members is a recipe for tension, conflict, and suboptimal results. Excellent leaders recognize that building trust is a complex and slow process, and they work vigorously at it every single day.

In her latest book, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, Brene Brown’s definition of trust gives us the acronym BRAVING, which is the anatomy of trust:

Boundaries

(“There is no trust without boundaries.”)

Reliability

(“You do what you say you’ll do. At work, this means staying aware of your competencies and limitations, so you don’t over-promise and can deliver on commitments and balance competing priorities.”)

Accountability

(“You own your mistakes, apologize, and make amends.”)

Vault

(“You don’t share information or experiences that are not yours to share. I need to know that my confidences are kept and that you’re not sharing any information about other people that should be confidential.”)

Integrity

(Brown’s definition of integrity: “Choosing courage over comfort, choosing what’s right over what’s fun, fast or easy, and practicing your values not just professing your values.”)

Non-judgment

(“I can ask for what I need, and you can ask for what you need. We can talk about how we feel without judgment.”)

Generosity

(“Our relationship is only a trusting relationship if you can assume the most generous thing about my words, intentions, and behaviors. And then check in with me.”)

Businesses must develop their organization’s culture around trust, as it is a fundamental element in installing a purpose-driven organization. Trust between employees, managers, and executive leaders gives purpose and, most importantly, values the power to transform.

Resources: 

1. https://www.kennethmd.com/the-anatomy-of-trust-by-brene-brown/
2. https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BRAVING.pdf