Building Trust

The element of human behavior which is central to an analysis of organizations under stress is that of mutual trust. It is the cement which holds the organization together. It is the mortar between its human bricks. Where trust is high, an organization can stand unbelievable amounts of buffeting, where it is low, a seemingly innocuous incident may set off a chain reaction of crumbling human relationships.
- Miles, 1969: The Pathology of Institutional Breakdown

Miles said so much about a foundational concept of being a effective leader (and person) with so little words. As a leader how do you go about building trust with the various stakeholders you interact with? What behaviors do you have that hinder your ablity to build trust? As a leader how are you helping your followers internailze this important concept and act with integrity?

What does it take to be Trusted as a Leader? In my view Trust is made up of 4 constructs:

1. Credibility, (includes the synonyms of trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity)
2. Respect,
3. Fairness, and
4. Responsibility

I will review all 4 constructs in subsequent Blogs over the next several days. In this post I will discuss the construct of Credibility.

CREDIBILITY
Credibility synonyms include trustworthiness, reliability and integrity. So when I use the term credibility I am also referring to the constructs of trustworthiness, reliability and integrity. Credibility means the ability to inspire belief – believability. For a Leader to be credible he or she must “walk the talk” and do it with expertise. Being credible means you are going to do what you say you are going to do and that you are going to do it competently. To be credible also means that you must be transparent. You must have open and honest communications with others. There are no hidden agendas.

So if you want to improve your credibility try doing these 3 things:
1. Walk the Talk consistently
2. Exhibit behaviors that reflect expertise and being a competent Leader, and
3. Open and honest communications and no hidden agendas