4 phrases to help build trust with employees

1. I understand you

There can be no trust without understanding. And in order to understand someone, you need to get to know him. It is desirable even before taking on joint work. It sounds like something obvious, but many go straight to the problem setting, skipping this important step. Although it's like skydiving without checking the mount.

There are four generations in the labor market now: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Centennials. Their values ​​and preferences are quite different, and if you don't take this into account, problems can arise. Try to understand the goals, needs, strengths and sore topics of each. By demonstrating genuine interest, you can find common ground and build trusting communication.

2. I appreciate you

After you get to know the person better, demonstrate that they are important to you by acknowledging their values, motives, strengths, and contributions. This will prove that you truly see him. In itself, this is not difficult, but endless tasks often distract from this and do not leave time for personal communication. Very often people who have been working together for years do not know important things about each other. Although this knowledge could create connections between colleagues and improve their interaction.

Another common mistake is to ignore accomplishments, but spot failures right away. This makes it difficult to build fruitful relationships and often leads to employee leaving. According toPerformance: Accelerated. A New Benchmark for Initiating Employee Engagement, Retention and Results. polls, 79% of those who quit say the main reason for leaving is that they were not appreciated.

3. You can rely on me

Try to understand what kind of support the person needs. Ask what a success for him and what he would like from you. Remember that supporting doesn't mean automatically agreeing with everything. This means considering the interests of the other, even when they conflict with yours. This behavior will show that you respect and value the person.

Take this as part of the contract. Do not limit yourself to discussing responsibilities, define expectations from teamwork and personal needs of the person (preferences in communication, the need to participate in decision-making). This will create a foundation of trust.

4. IM telling you the truth

So you have a foundation, so now it's easier for you deal with conflicts. Because even during a difficult conversation, the interlocutor will understand that your words are backed up by respect. So when a disagreement arises or a sensitive issue comes up, don't delay resolving it.

It's all like taking care of the house. Dealing with the problem before it grows to a massive scale will result in less hassle. Plus, conflict is an opportunity for creativity and change. If you behave correctly in them, mutual trust will only grow stronger.

All of these steps require a conscious effort and many people forget about them, focusing on daily tasks and deadlines. But this is very important. Trust will help create an environment of psychological safety. Amy Edmondson of Harvard Business School defines this as "an atmosphere in which people feel comfortable being themselves."