Power Imbalances and Trust

The existence of a power imbalance inevitably hinders individuals from providing entirely candid conversations. Building trust is crucial for overcoming this barrier, but how do you build conversational trust? Here are a few simple steps:

• Acknowledge the trust gap and express your commitment to earning their trust.

• During ‘feedback’ requests, assure people of your intention to listen, learn, and evolve based on their experiences of you.

• Graciously thank those who offer ‘feedback’ during conversations, regardless of your agreement, and reflect on their input.

• Implement valid suggestions and follow up with acknowledgment of the changes made.

• Opt for one-on-one sessions.

• Inform people of your intent to revisit the feedback topic.

We know the most crucial step to build trust at work is consistency and transparency in communication. By continually fostering open and honest dialogue, actively listening to your people, and sharing information openly, you create an environment where trust can flourish.

Candid communication builds understanding, resolves misunderstandings, and demonstrates reliability, all of which are essential for establishing and maintaining trust in the workplace regardless of position.