Would you believe that 70% of leaders firmly believe that their team TRUST them. However, studies show that less than 20% of employees would agree.
Strengthening your Emotional Bank Account with your team is one of the quickest, most effective ways to build trust with your team and colleagues — which involves spreading goodwill and positive relationships through consistent and meaningful interactions. Here are five simple ways to make Emotional Bank Account deposits:
1. Show Genuine Appreciation and Recognition. By regularly expressing gratitude and recognizing your colleague’s contributions, efforts, and achievements. Compliment them for a job well done, thanking them for their support, or acknowledging their unique skills. You know… everyone likes to feel valued and appreciated. And, genuine recognition boosts morale and reinforces positive feelings between you and your colleagues.
2. Practice Active Listening and Empathy. Paying close attention when colleague speaks, shows empathy, and provides thoughtful feedback. So, avoid interrupting or multitasking during conversations reflecting on what you’ve heard to ensure understanding. Active listening shows that you respect their perspective and value their input, which helps build trust and a deeper connection.
3. Offer Help and Support. Be proactive in offering help, whether it’s assisting with a task, providing guidance, or simply being available to listen. Make an effort to understand their needs and be there when they need support. Keep in mind, simple acts of kindness and support demonstrate that you care about their well-being and success, fostering a sense of mutual reliance and respect.
4. Maintain Consistency and Reliability. We do this by keeping our promises and following through on your commitments. Remember to be dependable in your work, communication, and availability. If you promise to help with something or attend a meeting, make sure you do it. Why? Because reliability builds trust. And when colleagues know they can count on you, it strengthens relationships and increases their confidence in you.
5. Engage in Meaningful Conversations Beyond Work. Take time to engage in non-work-related conversations. Show interest in their personal life, hobbies, or interests (while respecting their boundaries). Small gestures like asking about their weekend or celebrating their milestones can go a long way. Why It Works: Building rapport outside of work-related tasks helps create a more personal and friendly connection, making the relationship more robust and resilient.
In closing, by consistently applying these practices, you’ll contribute positively to the emotional bank account with your colleague, fostering a more trusting, supportive, and enjoyable work relationship.
Strengthening Team Trust is just one of the many engaging, motivating topics covered in our “Unlocking Your Executive Leadership Potential” professional development program. If you are interested in learning more about our programs, contact us at [email protected]. It would be our pleasure to assist!