A recent survey concluded that trust has declined at three out of four workplaces over the past two years. Here’s what you can do to help reverse that trend as a writer in your organization or during your interactions with your clients:
*** Start from a position of trust
You can approach trust in two ways:
1) Trust people on the front end and withdraw it if they prove untrustworthy, or
2) Withhold trust until you’re sure it’s warranted.
Experts recommend the former over the latter.
*** Be consistent
Eliminate discrepancies between what you say and what you do. People can’t count on you if you react one way today and another way tomorrow.
*** Listen with an open mind and respect others’ opinions
Attempt to understand and be open to what you hear. Every opinion is worth hearing, even if you don’t agree with it.
*** Admit your mistakes
When you’ve erred, others probably know it. Own up to your mistakes and apologize when you’re wrong. Don’t pass the buck or blame others.
*** Give credit where credit is due
If the team as a whole did something great, say so. There’s plenty of recognition to go around.
Cited in Communication Solutions Newsletter
To grow and to learn is to become trustworthy, and vice versa. It’s as simple as that.
To your success!
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