Build Trust and Counter the Office Skeptics

As a manager, you may be alarmed if you read a recent independent national survey we commissioned on bosses. It reveals that 86% of U.S. adults believe that public failures of large companies are similar to the much less conspicuous, yet far reaching, poor daily decisions of bosses in general. It adds that both go under the radar until disaster strikes.

Surely no boss is perfect or can make the right decisions 100 percent of the time. But you can help to dial down the mistrust that seems to be so prevalent today. It’s key to the success of your business. While staff trimming may be a necessary evil, you must show you’re committed to getting through this difficult time as a team. Like so many aspects of achieving success, maintaining an objective, healthy perspective – and being proactive can make all the difference. Here are some simple workplace strategies:

Provide your employees with highly specific input and direction: Cutting corners on time upfront may seem expedient. But it will have your team spinning their wheels. If you take the time to organize and strategize with a thinly stretched staff, you’ll reap the rewards in productivity gains.

Don’t allow negativity to devour you: Despite the prevalent “sky is falling” mood in corporate America, set a positive tone. When things are in flux, let it be known that chances for advancement still exist as always for your team.

Give those who manage others in your firm the benefit of the doubt: At the same time, operate with your eyes open and your ear to the ground. Ensure that they are good motivators during this difficult time. Keep an open door policy, as mentioned in my last blog. If their actions are caught too late, you may lose morale, top talent, customers, significant revenue – or even the company.

You likely have a manager yourself: Make it clear to others that you’re a reliable, solutions-oriented person. Read my Managing Up tips at TameYourTOT.com -News/Articles, to find out more about how to effect change through diplomacy and problem solving.

Everyone can agree that this is an unusual and very challenging period of our history. While you can’t control Wall Street or the economy’s effect on the business, you can help engender more trust and positive energy in the office. Your skillful communications, dedication to greater transparency and peace making will all make a difference. The results? Immeasurable benefits now, but particularly when the uptick returns.