How To Earn Trust From Your Employees
by Vincent Low
As a servant leader, having my employees’ belief and confidence is one of the most important things to have. This is because I know when employees have trust in their leaders, they’re likely to be happier, more productive and more engaged in their work.
But trust is not something you can establish easily; it ought to be earned, not bought. With the aim to help all leaders to create a long-lasting, credible trust between them and their team, I’ve pinned down some thoughts to share with you on the steps that I take to achieve this goal.
Make a Connection
Making a connection with your employees has many benefits. Firstly, your employees will have positive feelings and a friendly attitude towards you. This will make you seem more approachable. If they need help, they’ll then be willing to ask you for guidance and improve. That’s why being a people’s leader is so important.
I know some leaders will say, “I don’t have anything to talk to my employees about.” But if you don’t try, you don’t know. If all else fails, you can just say “hi”!
Be Transparent
When you’re transparent, you are encouraging honesty and open communication. Employees will be more engaged as they are less afraid to ask questions and know what is going on.
That’s why if I can share a piece of information with my employees, I do so. Ultimately, keeping your employees in the loop will make it easier for them to trust your business decisions.
Take responsibility and share the credit
In my previous article, I wrote about the “We” mentality when building a happy team in the workplace. When a problem crops up, a good leader will not start pointing fingers. Instead, they’ll take the heat from the higher-ups and come back to the team and ask “How can we solve the issue together?”
Likewise, when I see improvement or a project goes well, I give my employees the credit they deserve. For employees, knowing that their boss is looking out for them goes a long way. I’ve found that giving positive reinforcement does wonders for team morale and encourages individuals to work better.
Coach, not Command
With all the pressing deadlines at work, I understand how it’s sometimes easier to get someone to do your bidding without providing any explanation. But no one likes being ordered around. Yes, you are their boss, but you must also remember that your employees have feelings too.
Instead of commanding your workers, take time to explain why and how things are done. By coaching them, you show that you are invested in their growth, confident in their abilities, and willing to catch them if they fall.
Make Employee Success Your Goal
It is my job as a manager to train and nurture employees. I know a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. That’s why I believe that emphasising on employee success as a goal will increase the overall strength of my team. Plus, having my employees know that I put in my best for them instills the trust that I will make the best decisions for those under me.
At Canon, we give training sessions to educate and empower employees with relevant skills. For example, Communication 101 and Presentation Essential Skills are workshops that we conduct yearly. So, invest in your employees!
Earning Trust from Employees
At the end of the day, building trust is a two-way street. You cannot expect your employees to believe and have confidence in you if you don’t show that you similarly trust them. Hopefully, this article has been useful to you!
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates from Canon’s Senior Director & General Manager of Canon’s Business Imaging Solutions, Vincent Low.
