29 Apr Fresh Insight: Restoring Trust in the Workplace

Establish a culture where transparency is the norm, not the exception.

by Minda Harts

In the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace, trust is the invisible thread that binds teams together, enabling them to navigate the complexities of today’s hybrid work environment. Our new working normal is a vibrant cacophony

of generations, cultures, and digital interfaces that often stretch trust to its limits. When this fabric tears, the onus falls on leaders to stitch it back together, ensuring that the team’s tapestry remains intact.

Restoring trust requires more than superficial gestures and performative actions. It demands a deliberate and thoughtful approach as well as recognition that trust is multifaceted and sometimes subjective. It requires having faith in a team’s competencies, shared values, and emotional connections.

Here are three actionable steps leaders can take to mend and fortify trust within their teams:

1. Advocate for transparent communication.

Establish a culture where transparency is the norm, not the exception. This involves openly sharing the whys behind decisions, especially those that significantly affect the team, like layoffs. It means providing context and allowing space for questions and feedback.

Practice vs. theory. Host regular open forum meetings. Create a feedback loop by having a dedicated time when team members can voice concerns, ask questions, and offer suggestions. This should be a safe space that fosters openness and mutual respect and where all voices are valued.

Implement a “no surprises” policy: Ensure team members are informed as soon as possible about changes and decisions that affect them. This preemptive communication can reduce uncertainty and build trust in leadership’s intentions.

2.Cultivate a listening climate.

Active and courageous listening is a cornerstone of trust building. It signals to team members that their perspectives and feelings matter, which can strengthen their emotional investment in the team.

What does this look like? Regularly schedule one-on-one sessions with team members to understand their views, challenges, and aspirations. This direct engagement demonstrates genuine interest and respect for their contributions. In addition, promote an environment where team members listen to and support one another. This can be facilitated through peer feedback sessions or team huddles focused on sharing and understanding diverse perspectives.

3. Lead with empathy and vulnerability.

Trust is deeply personal and rooted in emotional connections and relational equity. Leaders who show empathy and vulnerability humanize themselves and create a space where others feel safe to express their vulnerabilities.

How to lead in this way. Share your challenges and learning moments, when appropriate, and your mistakes and what you learned from them. This can demystify the notion of leadership infallibility and encourage a curious mindset within the team. Also, regularly check in on team members’ well-being and offer support. This could be as simple as acknowledging the challenges of balancing work and personal life, especially in remote or hybrid work settings.

By weaving these practices into the fabric of leadership, restoring trust becomes not just a possibility but a palpable reality. It transforms the workplace into a network where individuals are interconnected through a robust and resilient bond of trust. In this environment, teams can thrive, innovate, and navigate the complexities of the modern work world with confidence and cohesion. DW

Minda Harts is a bestselling author and influential speaker. She is a respected voice in self-advocacy and restoring trust at work.