Trust is essential for leaders, it's the glue that holds the whole team together. When your team members trust you as their leader, they feel more connected and committed. It helps people get on the same page and make the magic happen. With trust you get better collaboration, more open communication, and people are more motivated to give their best. Trust, along with Psychological Safety, are the two necessary elements to build a solid foundation for teams and organizations to innovate, collaborate and accelerate.
But trust doesn't just arrive in your inbox, it takes intentional and consistent effort. You don't get in shape at the gym in one day, but just like your biceps need reps to get stronger, so does your Trust Muscle, or what we call your Truscles.
Here are 7 Things You Can Do as a Leader to Flex your Truscles
1. Embrace Self-Awareness
The foundation of building self-trust as a leader starts with self-awareness. Exploring your strengths, weaknesses, and values will help you identify gaps and blind spots, celebrate your efforts, and build credibility with your team. Self-Awareness begins with quiet reflection, where you can curiously evaluate and reassess past situations through a learning lens. You can also engage in introspection by soliciting peer feedback and filtering what is for you to learn and grow from. As a self-aware leader, you are setting an example for others and demonstrating the importance of continuous growth and learning.
2. Set Clear Goals and Keep Your Word
Only 3% of the population has goals, and only 1% of them write them down. By writing down your goals, you are 42% more likely to achieve them. As a leader, having a clear vision and well-defined goals doesn't just benefit you, but it gives your team a secure space to operate in. The more specific you are in your goals, the better you can plan for success. Once your goals and plans are clear, you are more equipped to keep your word with yourself, which is the most effective way to build trust within yourself.
3. Transparency and Open Communication
Transparency is a powerful tool for building trust in any relationship, including leadership roles. Be open and honest with your team, sharing relevant information and insights. Have the necessary conversations that can help create pathways forward. Transparent communication fosters a sense of inclusion and helps team members feel valued and trusted. If faced with challenges or mistakes, don't shy away from admitting them. Your vulnerability will humanize you as a leader and reinforce the trust your team has in you.
4. Delegate and Empower Others
Leadership is not about micromanagement; it's about trusting your team to excel. Delegate tasks to individuals based on their strengths and provide them with the autonomy to accomplish their goals. Empowering your team members cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability. When you show confidence in their abilities, they will reciprocate that trust and work diligently to meet expectations.
5. Learn from Failures
Failures are inevitable in any leadership journey. What sets a great leader apart is their ability to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth. When things go awry, take responsibility, analyze what went wrong, and learn from the experience. Demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of setbacks will bolster your credibility as a leader, showing your team that you can navigate through challenges and emerge stronger.
6. Build Positive Relationships
Trust in leadership is inherently tied to the relationships you foster with your team. Be approachable and invest time in getting to know your team members as individuals. Listen actively to their concerns, ideas, and aspirations. By building positive relationships, you create a supportive and collaborative environment where trust can flourish naturally.
7. Acknowledge and Celebrate Success
Recognize and celebrate achievements and effort for yourself and your team. Expressing gratitude and acknowledging hard work reinforces positive behavior and motivates your team. Where your focus goes is where your energy grows. Celebrating success together enhances team cohesion and builds a sense of camaraderie, which further strengthens the bond of trust.
The more you use your Truscles, the stronger your trust bond will be. Every day is your opportunity to build trust in yourself and those around you. The more intentional and committed you are, the more successful you will be. So get out there and flex those Truscles!