Trust is one of the hardest things to build yet the easiest to break. Still, in today's fast-paced and ever-evolving professional landscape, trust is the cornerstone of healthy workplace dynamics. When individuals can be their authentic selves at work, it fosters a positive atmosphere that fuels creativity, productivity, and collaboration. In this blog, we will discuss why authenticity is important to the workplace and ten ways leaders can build trust and foster organizational relationships that nurture authentic, professional selves.
Consequences to Lack of Authenticity in the Workplace
The consequences of a lack of authenticity in the workplace can be significant and far-reaching, affecting both individuals and the organization as a whole. When authenticity is lacking, team members may feel compelled to hide their true selves or conform to a facade, which can result in three primary negative outcomes.
Lack of Engagement
Team members who feel they must hide their true selves or pretend to be someone they are not are less likely to be fully engaged in their work. This can lead to decreased productivity and lower job satisfaction, because they may fear that any authentic engagement with their leaders or teams could be used against them. Consequently, team members may hesitate to voice their opinions or suggest creative solutions, which can stifle innovation and problem-solving.
Diminished Well-Being
Maintaining a façade or concealing one's true self can be emotionally taxing. Individuals may experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout, leading to negative impacts on mental and physical health. When an individual's mental and physical health are compromised, they are more likely to miss more days at work, perform poorly, or jeopardize the team's efficiency due to illness.
Inept Team Dynamics
Authenticity is fundamental to building genuine, meaningful relationships with colleagues. Without it, forming connections and collaborating effectively can become challenging. When individuals perceive that their colleagues or leaders are not being authentic, it can erode trust within the organization, leading to communication breakdowns and strained relationships. This leads to poor team camaraderie, avoidance, and resistance, decreasing the team's overall productivity and satisfaction.
10 Key Strategies for Building Trust that Nurtures Authenticity
When team members can bring their authentic selves to work, it catalyzes innovation, productivity, and positive collaboration. While we understand that trust is imperative to establishing healthy and nurturing organizational cultures, it can be a daunting tasks for leaders nonetheless. The charge of creating an atmosphere where authenticity thrives may be challenging but it is not impossible. Here are ten key strategies leaders must implement to build trust in the workplace that supports the expression of one's authentic, professional self:
Open and Honest Communication: Encourage open dialogue within your team and organization. Create spaces where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Active listening and honest communication build bridges of trust and understanding.
Lead by Example: Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture. By demonstrating authenticity and vulnerability, they inspire others to do the same. Admitting mistakes, sharing personal stories, and showing empathy can go a long way in building trust.
Set Clear Expectations: Ambiguity can breed mistrust. Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations for everyone in the organization. When team members know what is expected of them, they can focus on their work without worrying about hidden agendas.
Recognize and Celebrate Diversity: Embrace the uniqueness of each team member. Diversity, whether it's in background, skills, or perspectives, can enrich your workplace. Recognize and celebrate these differences to foster a culture of inclusion and trust.
Support Life Balance: Encourage a healthy, whole life balance. When individuals feel that their personal lives are respected, they are more likely to bring their authentic selves to work. Flexible schedules and policies that accommodate personal needs can make a big difference.
Invest in Professional Development: Show that you are invested in the growth and development of your team. Providing opportunities for skill-building and career advancement demonstrates your commitment to their success, which in turn builds trust.
Acknowledge and Reward Contributions: Recognize and reward individuals for their hard work and contributions. Whether it's a simple "thank you" or a formal recognition program, appreciation boosts morale and reinforces trust.
Encourage Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment where individuals feel empowered to share ideas and collaborate across departments. A sense of collective effort strengthens trust among team members.
Address Conflicts Constructively: Conflicts are inevitable, but how they are handled can either erode or strengthen trust. Encourage healthy conflict resolution through open conversations, mediation, or team-building exercises.
Provide Autonomy: Trust team members to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. Giving them autonomy shows that you have confidence in their abilities and encourages them to be their authentic, innovative selves.
Building trust in the workplace that supports authentic, professional selves is an ongoing process. It requires commitment, communication, and a genuine desire to create a positive and inclusive work environment. When trust is the foundation of your workplace culture, team members are more likely to bring their true selves to work, leading to increased engagement, satisfaction, overall well-being, and success for everyone involved.
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Dr. Wanita Mercer, Ph.D. is the founder and CEO of Lead My Heart, an executive coaching and consulting company specializing in equipping executives and executive teams to live and lead with purpose, passion, and power. She has a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in organizational leadership, and she is certified in life coaching, executive coaching, change management, project management, executive management, corporate crisis management, and mental health ministry. She has over 15 years of experience as an international educator in the USA and China, motivational speaker, author, and civic leader. She lives in San Antonio, Texas.