Say, Stay and Strive... the Key is Trust

In any relationship we have all heard Trust is the key... More so in a supervisor subordinate relationship especially at the workplace. Seems common sense right. Absolutely, take this scenario.

You are a Business Head, who has just recieved the results of the Annual Engagement Survey or Satisfaction Survey or People dip stick (whatever name you choose to give). The results indicate that you seem to be doing well in Corporate Branding, People's perception of their Leadership etc, however there is improvement required in Coaching, Mentoring, Employees's understanding of the firm's direction, managing change etc. You spend hours with your business partner and the leadership team to get additional information, insights, and devise action plans. Well, you have crafted three actions for the next Quarter: Comprehensive Communication Framework, a formal Coaching Program for all People Managers, and Leaders conducting "Floor Walks". How does an employee feel the impact of the same at his or her workstation, in his or her life? Where does the onus of all the action lie - with the Individual and his Immediate Supervisor/People Manager/ Manager.
I can teach a Manager how to coach; but making the best of the coaching situation, ensuring that there is the right amount of sharing and guidance give and take between the two parties, needs a strong catalyst which is "Trust".

How does one build Trust? By not taking advantage of the confidence placed in you, maintaining sanctity of the relationship, maintaning confidentiality of the issues discussed and most importantly, not letting your 'self' / or your 'ego' come in the way of the relationship.

Well this is easier said than done. A few tips to make your team high performing and effective

• Listen with attention, don't do lip service
• Follow through, in actions not just words. If you cannot achieve optimal results, provide transparency
• Do not let title and authority give you false ego
• Be Genuine
• Know your people
• Coach people to think through options, don't trouble shoot for them
• Laugh.. Nothing like laughing the stress away
• Be present and visible, Hiding in your cabin or closed conference room is not helping anybody
• This is not about you, it is about them. Think what might work for them
• Ask permission to share information. People confide a lot of things, hoping that they can trust you. Trust once breached, can never be repaired.

I have used this time and again to build trust with my team members, my colleauges...my friends... It really works. Hope you liked it.