“Employees trust leaders who are reliable, authentic, vulnerable, empathetic, and who do not micromanage.” —Nancy Salmeron
When I reflect on my successful personal relationships, I realize that the individuals involved in those relationships are people I trust. This makes me think about the power of trust in leadership in the workplace. We know that the foundation for any successful relationship is trust. In a relationship with our partner or significant other, trust is what allows us to navigate the complexity of the world. How about in workplace relationships? Does trusting a leader in the workplace have the same weight as having a trusting relationship with your partner at home? I believe it does. Trust is the foundation that ensures that relationships can last in difficult times. Trust is essential in the relationships with your partner, friends, family, and leaders. Trust is hard to build and easy to break. Employees trust leaders who are reliable, authentic, vulnerable, empathetic, and who do not micromanage.
Today, I want to talk about what makes a great leader in the workplace. Trust and respect between employees and leadership creates a positive work atmosphere. In the world of business today, trust is more important than ever. Here are some tips on how leaders can develop more trust in the workplace, so they can have better relationships with clients, customers, employees, and all stakeholders in a company.
Great leaders listen and support their employees to reach their goals.
Leaders who listen more and speak less develop better communication with their employees. Employees need to feel safe to communicate any issue or question that arises in the workplace or at home. If they do, it is a sign that there is trust. Empathy and consideration for employees’ life circumstances strengthen work relationships. Leaders need to be able to feel what it is like to be in their employees’ shoes and not judge. Leaders need to be transparent when they receive feedback and admit when they make mistakes.
Leaders have healthy boundaries, respect for employees, and are clear on their expectations.
Leaders need to participate in developing healthy boundaries and seeking out authenticity, in themselves and employees. They respect employees’ time, opinions, and ideas and help them reach their goals. Leaders know that in order for positive relationships in the workplace to succeed they need to have a clear focus and expectations. Leaders need to also be clear on who they are and what values need to be implemented in the workplace. Values, such as respect, honesty, and responsibility are essential in a successful life and business.
Leaders do not try to control others by monitoring and micromanaging.
To have successful personal and workplace relationships, leaders need to trust, let go, and not control others. A great leader does not micromanage. Micromanaging is not leadership! Great leadership does not require knowing or wanting to know what your employees are doing every minute. A great leader has developed a relationship of trust, allowing the leader to relinquish control.
In the world of entrepreneurship, and relationships in general, we must realize that leadership and trust go hand in hand. Employees need to trust that the leader will communicate effectively, talk less, and listen more. Leaders encourage and support their employees. Great leaders are empathetic and care about the needs of employees. They have clear expectations and set boundaries. Their leadership style does not use micromanagement but instead implements trust and letting go. Employees respond well to vulnerable leaders who admit when they make mistakes. Great leaders not only accomplish their own goals, but they support and guide employees to succeed with their goals. Until next time, Believe. Change. Become.