We often talk about the importance of trust but do you know what it is?

Trust is having confidence, faith or hope in someone or something. Trust is fundamental in relationships and communities, but sadly too often people feel they don’t have people they can trust. The absence of trust may come from betrayal in our past, and although understandable without trust, all human connection will be compromised.

The workplace has become an untrusting and challenging environment for many people. Employees continually identify that a working environment where that is high-trust is imperative for long term success. Studies have reported that workers who worked in a trusted environment were over 70% more engaged than those in low-trust settings, were more productive and had superior financial success.

So how do we build trust?

1. Tell the truth.
2. Admit when you don’t know something.
3. Admit when you’re wrong.
4. If you say you’ll do it, do it.
5. If you’re meant to do it, do it.
6. Explain your thought process.
7. Extend trust to others.
8. Include others.

These are several necessary steps to a high-trust environment. The reality is if we treat others like we would like to be treated our workplace and all communities we are part off will be a better place.