Trust does matter; we all know that. Trust is the currency of every relationship. Reaching out to your people and building relationships based on trust appears to be a natural concept. Sometimes, it is not all simple. So, how do you build trust that lasts?

Below are a few ideas you may want to consider:

  • You can start with a mindset that people want to contribute. I believe, and hope you do as well, that most of your people come to work every day and want to do a good job. Value your people and believe in them. Let them know you trust them and believe in them. Ask yourself, why should they trust you if you don’t trust them?

 

  • In a team environment, let them all know, they count, they matter. Studies have proven that most successful companies have a culture where everyone feels valued. John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, likened his team to a car—”One superstar may be like a powerful engine while the others are the nuts and bolts that hold on the wheel. But if we lose the wheel, how good is the engine?” It is simple: everyone on the team matters and must feel they are needed.

 

  • Share the vision with them, and explain where you are leading them and why. The more they know, the better the opportunity you have for them to take ownership. The more they know, the more likely they will care. When your people really care, there is no stopping them.

Let’s remember that if we take care of our internal customers, built on trust, they will take care of the external customers. Bottom line: believe in them, trust them. They will shine. Everyone wins.