As a leader are you trustworthy? Building trust to transform team working

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance, from the author’s experience, of improving team working and rebuilding trust. The issue of trust is high on the agenda for many organizations, especially following the financial crisis and recent scandals that have affected sectors such as banking, retail and energy in the UK. Executive Coach Marielena Sabatier, CEO, Inspiring Potential examines why trust is so important in organizations and what business leaders can do to build trust amongst their teams and embed a culture of trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The article takes a practical approach focusing on why trust has been damaged in organizations in recent years, why trust is so important and how senior mangers can build trust, providing tips on how to develop a culture of trust.

Findings

Key findings are organizations that want to have a culture of trust must first analyse where they are going wrong, then leaders need to communicate a clear mission and purpose for the business and employees, they must lead by example and act with integrity always. Other key ingredients are to right any wrongs, to hold people accountable and to communicate openly at all times.

Originality/value

The article highlights the importance, from the author’s experience, of improving team working and rebuilding trust.

Citation

Sabatier, M. (2014), "As a leader are you trustworthy? Building trust to transform team working", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 28 No. 5, pp. 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-05-2014-0044