Trust is the Foundation of Collaboration
If someone doesn't trust you, they won't share their thoughts or seek your help. Trust is essential for effective teamwork and organizational success. In fact, a PwC survey found that 93% of business executives believe that trust improves the bottom line. Harvard Business Review reports that trust affects speed and cost, while high-trust companies are 2.5 times more likely to be high-performing revenue organizations.
How to Know if You've Earned Someone's Trust
To determine if you've earned a coworker's trust, ask yourself two simple questions:
- Who is willing to help you?
- Who are you helping, and how?
Trust is about more than just knowing someone; it's about knowing that they will support you and have your best interests at heart.
Qualities of Trusted Co-Workers
Trusted coworkers are:
- Supportive: They have your back.
- Transparent: They are honest and open.
- Consistent: They are reliable and dependable.
- Accountable: They keep their promises and take responsibility for their actions.
Building Trust with Your Colleagues
To build trust with your coworkers, focus on:
- Declaring Intent: Share your goals and intentions clearly.
- Honoring Commitments: Keep your promises and follow through on your commitments.
- Explaining Your Reasoning: Share your thought process and rationale for your decisions.
- Closing the Loop: Communicate your progress and outcomes.
- Seeking Feedback: Actively seek input from your colleagues.
By demonstrating these behaviors, you can foster trust and build stronger relationships with your coworkers, leading to increased collaboration, productivity, and overall success.