How Trustworthy is Your Organisation?

Trust is the fundamental currency of business. Without trust our economies cannot function. And yet many organisations, teams and individuals struggle with trust. They struggle to gain their customers trust; they fail to develop their employees trust. Without trust stakeholders become cynical, disillusioned and de-motivated. Where they can, they move on. Hopefully to work with others (suppliers and employers) in whom they can trust.

How about your organisation? What level of trust do you think you deserve?

Here is a short test.

Consider how many of the following undermining behaviours are to be found in your organisation;

• Saying one thing and doing another

If you see any of these behaviours regularly demonstrated by your employees then you probably have a problem. One that without action on your part could lead to the destruction of any trust that still exists. Ultimately low or no trust organisations become dysfunctional and fail to achieve results. The end result is going to be failure.

What can be done?

Firstly, own up to the problem. Recognise and accept that it is a real problem; one that needs to be given priority. Also appreciate that it starts at the top. Building trust cannot be achieved if the prevailing attitude is Do what we say, not what we do.

One of the most effective ways to build trust is to work with the 3 Cs (as used by Novations Consulting Partners).

Consideration conveying a genuine interest in the well being of others. People are more likely to trust you if they believe you share their concerns about the success of the organisation, if they believe you care about their needs and if they believe you will go out of your way to help them when they need it.

Credibility conveying evidence that you are trustworthy and have relevant knowledge, skills and influence. People need to have confidence that you have the required knowledge and ability to do your job and that you can successfully exert your influence to be effective in the role. Most importantly people must believe that you are ethical and honest.

Consistency providing steady, reliable guidance, support and follow-through to accomplish the work. Consistency is based on reliability and dependability. It means making sure your actions match your words. It means following through on the commitments you make. It means setting clear standards and expectations and then providing the support necessary to attain the goal.

Creating a climate of trust taps into peoples desire to contribute and feel valued. People who trust and are trusted are more productive and loyal. They communicate openly and directly. They are willing to share ideas and take appropriate risks. They show creativity and initiative. In other words organisations based on trust work better.

Wouldnt you want to work in one yourself?

Trust takes a lifetime to build and just a moment to lose. You might think about including a session on trust on the agenda of your next board meeting or team session.

And contact me on +44 (0)1252 727980 for more information and advice.

John (Skoonie) Schonegevel is passionate about people. About how to help them live fulfilling lives at work. About how to create and sustain organisations in which people are able to give of their very best. Organisations where culture and practice encourages personal responsibility and enables every individual to be engaged, enthusiastic and effective. Because organisations need more people like this. You can share and swap ideas with him through his website http://www.new-frontiers.co.uk.

Skoonie is a director of New Frontiers, behavioural change specialists and Novations Consulting Partners.

Does Your Organisation Have a Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy?
An organisation has a direct impact on its stakeholders namely suppliers, customers, work colleagues, and consumers of its goods and services. It also has a range of indirect impacts on non-governmental organisations and an indirect, but often significant impact on the local community within which it operates, and on the national or indeed global c...

CSR Stakeholders
Any corporate social responsibility strategy (CSR) must be fully integrated with the organisations brand management and commercial strategy. This means that the CSR strategy must support the underlying commercial requirements for the business and deliver to its customers or the ultimate consumer safe goods, products and services that are fit for pu...

Finding a Low Interest Debt Consolidation Loan in the Brick and Mortar World
IntroductionMany people who are serious about maintaining control over their finances and their debt have taken the step of obtaining a low interest debt consolidation loan. In fact, you may have reached a point in your own life at which you do believe that a low interest debt consolidation loan would be a beneficial tool to you in your overall de...

Organisations With Vision
How has you organisations corporate social responsibility strategy been developed? has it been produced as a result of commercial one-upmanship or as a result of deep ethical foundations within the organisation? Politicians are in a cycle of ever increasing their environmental credentials over and above their opponents, but does this encourage vote...

Free Credit Report
Credit reports are a serious matter. They are the be all and end all when it comes to getting financial support from your bank. Your credit rating tells your bank about your buying habits and spending tendencies. Banks use this information to calculate how likely you are to default on a loan.Many financial institutions such as banks and lending com...

Restaurant Owners - How Important Are People Skills?
You are serving great food. Your establishment is new, spotless and inviting and yet you are not getting the repeat visits that you expect. What's up? What's going wrong?The answer may lie with your people skills...Why do people come to your restaurant? By now you should know why people frequent your restaurant...or at least you should know why the...

Personal Unsecured Debt Consolidation Loans - Can You Qualify?
If you are like many people, you are so far in debt, that it is difficult to make even your minimum payments. In cases such as this, a debt consolidation loan may be your best option.Personal Unsecured Debt Consolidation LoansUnsecured personal debt consolidation loans are an excellent source of credit if you need to consolidate debt. Unlike regula...