A Leader Cultivates An Environment of Trust to Bring Out the Best in Others
I recently shared an example of a leader, I’ll call her Faye, that built a lot of trust. Cultivating trust helped her build strong relationships. These relationships created an environment where people wanted to do their best and in fact, they did, they excelled.
Let’s look at her behaviors and actions:
Encouraged and promoted open communication
- Faye was honest and transparent and fostered that in return. You knew where she stood and what she expected. She shared her reasoning, thoughts and feelings. There were no hidden agendas or mixed messages. She created an environment where people truly felt they could express an opinion and it would be considered, even if it differed from hers. Faye asked for regular feedback and gave it freely, both complimentary and constructive. When she couldn’t take an action that was requested, she explained why and it made sense. She communicated clearly and thoroughly; the receiver really got the message that she intended.
Reliable and consistent
- Faye kept commitments and held herself and those she worked with accountable. She had high integrity. There were no surprises or broken promises. She was good at following-up. When she couldn’t take an action that was requested, she explained why and it made sense.
Respectful to all
-Faye was fair and had no hidden agendas. She really valued diversity. She enhanced people’s self-esteem.
Showed confidence in others
-Faye let people do their jobs by supporting them and getting out of their way. She invested in her team’s development, both individually and as a group. She coached and mentored. She advocated for her group and others. She shared leadership and she brought out the best in others.
Faye was and is a great leader and boss. And she still is one of the best leaders I know.
Tags: coach, communicating, feedback, intention, leadership, menotr, optimal performance, relationship, reliable, respect, trust
