Building trust through great leadership 

Great leaders know that employee engagement is a crucial aspect of building a successful and sustainable organisation. Engaged team members are more productive, loyal, and committed to their work, which in turn leads to better business results. However, engagement is a complex and multifaceted concept, and it can be challenging for leaders to know where to focus their efforts. In this post, we will explore one critical aspect of employee engagement that leaders should prioritise: building trust. 

Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, including the relationship between employees and their leaders. When employees trust their leaders, they are more likely to feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work.  

So, how can leaders build trust with their employees? Here are some strategies: 

• Communicate openly and honestly: Effective communication is essential to building trust. Leaders should communicate clearly, frequently, and honestly with employees, keeping them informed about what is happening in the organisation and what is expected of them. 

• Listen actively: Listening is a critical skill for any leader, demonstrating to employees that their opinions and perspectives are valued. Leaders should actively listen, ask questions, and seek feedback to show they are genuinely interested in their thoughts and ideas. 

• Lead by example: Leaders who lead by example, modelling the behaviours they want to see in their employees, are more likely to earn their trust. Leaders who are accountable, transparent, and ethical in their actions and decisions inspire confidence and trust among their employees. 

• Provide opportunities for growth and development: When leaders invest in growth and development, they demonstrate that they are committed to their success. Providing opportunities for training, mentoring, and career development shows employees that they are valued members of the team and that their leader has their best interests in mind. 

• Recognise and reward achievements: Recognising and rewarding hard work and achievements is a powerful way to build trust. When employees feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. 

By fostering strong and trusted relationships with employees, leaders can optimise engagement, performance and organisational culture. 

Kristie Axe 

Recruitment Consultant