In today's business world, trust is a highly-prized commodity that can make or break a company's success.
Trust can impact employee engagement, customer loyalty, and bottom-line results.
However, building trust requires more than mere competency or likability.
The foundation of trust is authenticity, the practice of being true to oneself and others.
In this blog post, we explore why being authentic is essential for establishing trust in the workplace.
Authenticity increases credibility
Credibility is the cornerstone of trust. When leaders and employees act in ways that align with their values, it creates a sense of integrity and consistency that others find credible.
Being authentic means avoiding pretenses and being honest about strengths and weaknesses. This transparency can help employees feel comfortable admitting when they need help or made a mistake. When leaders model this behavior, it can lead to a culture of transparency, encouraging employees to be honest about their triumphs and failures.
Authenticity encourages open communication
Trust thrives when there is honest and open communication. Authenticity helps people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings, even if they appear negative or unpopular. When employees can provide constructive feedback, it helps leaders understand what they can improve, enhancing trust and mutual respect. At the same time, being candid about successes can lead to feelings of optimism, pride, and motivation.
Authenticity promotes employee engagement
When employees know that their leaders and colleagues value their authentic selves, it can lead to increased engagement. According to a report by Harvard Business Review, 58% of people said that they trust strangers more than their boss. An engaged workforce that trusts their leaders will often work harder, have better morale, and stay with the company for longer periods.
Authenticity boosts employer branding
Authenticity can also motivate job seekers. A survey from HBR revealed authenticity is a top consideration when job seekers evaluate potential companies. By fostering a culture of authenticity and transparency, companies can demonstrate to their audience how they value their employees and be trustworthy partners to clients.
Authenticity connects people
People crave connections, BEing authentic creates an intimate bond between leader, employees and the company. Sharing personal experiences, developing work relationships, and building mutual trust encourages vulnerability, empathy, and understanding. When employees share their real selves with one another and management, it creates a more intimate and personal bond that leads to increased teamwork, morale, and productivity.
Conclusion:
Gaining trust is more than just competence and technical ability. Authenticity is what drives success in the workplace by fostering credibility, open communication, employee engagement, employer branding, and human connections. Be True to yourself, your employees, and the company's values cultivates a work environment that is honest, open, and productive, where employees can thrive, and companies can grow. By focusing on building trust through authenticity, companies can enhance performance, boost retention, and attract the best talent available.
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