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Building Trust at Work: Why Vulnerability Is a Leader’s Hidden Strength
All human groups rely on trust to be functional and survive. It’s no different in the workplace. For leaders to be truly influential, they must be willing to be vulnerable. That’s right. Are you able to show your trust in others by being open with them? Few leaders have the courage to do so and still get by. But the most influential leaders establish a mutual bond of trust and respect with staff that translates into a more relaxed and productive working environment.
Here are a few tips to help keep yourself in good standing with your team:
Ask Advice: Show your vulnerability to your team. Nobody has all the answers. If you’re embarking on a new project or facing change, invite your team to share ideas during meetings—or ask them to drop anonymous suggestions in a box on your desk or in the break room. You’re reinforcing that their ideas count. Remember: the quietest people often have the best ideas.
Communicate: Good communication depends on trust. At your next meeting, thank staff for their input and remind them how valuable continued feedback is. Review each comment with appreciation and discuss as a team which ideas to act on now.
Action Plan: Put into motion a few of the ideas drawn from employee feedback.
Offer Multiple Feedback Options: Some people hesitate to send feedback through email. Give them alternatives—like anonymous written notes—so everyone feels safe to speak up.
Stay Consistent: Match your words with actions. Don’t play favorites or cliques will form. Involve everyone in decision-making.
Avoid Gossip and Sarcasm: Gossip erodes trust instantly. If someone gossips about one person, they’ll gossip about you. Sarcasm can also disguise criticism; when it goes too far, it damages morale. Keep the office a respectful zone.
Have Fun: Celebrate everyone’s birthday. No business is truly a “family,” nor should it be, but simple traditions show employees they matter. Team-building games also help forge genuine bonds.
Venture Up (est. 1983) is the original team building company, helping organizations build trust and collaboration through real-world experiences.
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