So, you’re brand new to a management position and you have no idea what to do when it comes to leadership. Or maybe, you promoted someone to management, and they really seem to be floundering. Where to start? For new managers embarking on their leadership journey, building trust should be a top priority. So, let’s break down some of the factors essential to building trust as a new manager.
The first is authenticity. Being authentic is the foundation that all trust is built upon. Strive to be genuine and transparent in your interactions with your team. Always be true to yourself. Admit your mistakes when necessary, and consistently align your words with your actions. Team members are more likely to trust a manager who is authentic and sincere.
Secondly, you need to be reliable. They need to know they can count on you to consistently deliver on your promises and commitments. When you set expectations, make sure to meet them. Don’t just tell them they can count on you, demonstrate that you can be counted on by your actions.
Listening is essential for building trust. So, listen actively. Listening actively takes practice. Listen with the intent to listen, not the intent to respond. Give your full attention to the person speaking. Ask clarifying questions and empathize with their concerns. When team members feel heard, they feel valued and trust naturally grows.
Be accountable. You can’t expect your team to be accountable to you if you are not accountable yourself. Take responsibility for your actions and decisions. When mistakes happen (and they will – we’re all human), own up to them and take steps to rectify the situation. Doing so can actually enhance trust. Your team members will appreciate having a manager who is willing to be accountable and make amends when necessary.
Be consistent. Strive to be fair and equitable in your treatment of everyone. Seeing that consistency in behavior and decision-making is really important to your team. Showing consistency in how rules are applied and how rewards and recognition are distributed helps create a sense of fairness and trust within the team.
Confidentiality is crucial. Managers often have access to sensitive information. It’s essential for new managers to respect confidentiality. Team members should trust that you will not divulge private information without a valid reason. Demonstrating absolute discretion helps give them a sense of security.
Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership and can lead to greater team cohesion, motivation, and success. Keep at it. Remember, trust is not built overnight; it requires ongoing effort and commitment.
Read Lauren’s Whitepaper on The Nine Essentials of Significant Leadership.
