Research shows that only a small percentage of the workforce “strongly agree” that they trust their co-workers to look after their best interests. Would your employees rate their colleagues any higher?
This is a very important question. Trust levels matter. Low levels of trust among co-workers can impact on performance and on the bottom line.
Every company (sometimes oblivious to leadership) will battle with toxic employees who only look out for themselves, no matter what the cost to their colleagues or the company that employs them. The kind who, when you are next in line for a promotion, raise, or simply the next pat on the back from the boss, won’t hesitate to steal your thunder. Basically, they’re the people who will step all over you and your colleagues if it means getting their much desired individual goal of progression.
While many employees may be shocked, even hurt to learn that their co-workers do not trust them, they may not be aware of the fact that their behaviour that makes them untrustworthy.
Leaders and managers have an important role to play in building trust among employees. Their role is to educate employees about the types of behaviour that employees need to demonstrate to build high levels of trust among co-workers.
Behaving with integrity is undoubtedly top of the list. Integrity is about being honourable, honest, and sound in your judgment. I personally believe integrity should always be one of the company’s values.
Employees need to know the importance of delivering on their commitments, delivering on time, and to the required standard. Consistency, accountability, reliability and delivery are key to building high levels of trust among colleagues.
Trusting relationships at work lead to all good things, including greater productivity, performance, and morale.
Even little breaches of trust can affect your overall trustworthiness over time, so ensure you deliver on your promise and retain your colleagues high trust levels.
