This blog series is all about how to create a culture of trust in organizations. If you missed the first blog you can check it out here.
In this blog we’re going to explore integrity as it relates to creating a culture of trust. What’s your standard of integrity?
People are the ones who establish the basic tenets of integrity throughout organizations and they must clearly communicate four key values and expectations: truthfulness, honesty, respectfulness and positivity.
1. Truthfulness
Speaking the truth is challenging in even the best of environments let alone toxic environments where messengers get shot. It may be tempting to ignore reality and tell people what they want to hear, notes management consultant Jim Dougherty in The Best Way for New Leaders to Build Trust (Harvard Business Review Article). Leaders must nonetheless deliver bad news when it’s warranted—and demand honorable behavior from those who receive it.
People sense less risk when an organization’s culture respects those who tell the truth, even when it hurts. When leaders address mistakes constructively and avoid embarrassing their staff, there’s no need to lie or stretch the truth. The penalty for lying must outweigh that for making errors. Enforce this mindset with your actions so truthful coworkers earn others’ trust.
2. Honesty
When employees treat each other honestly (do the right thing), trust grows over time. Dishonesty must be met with consequences. If you deal with it firmly, even for subtle infractions, your culture of integrity strengthens and people trust each other more.
3. Respectfulness
A culture of respect and honor fosters high levels of trust among coworkers. Again, a leader’s behavior sets the stage for success. Respectfulness includes basic social considerations like accepting people and listening to their opinions and ideas.
People also demonstrate respect when they seek feedback without favoritism, encourage participation from everyone on a team and value each team member within the organization. Such behaviors enhance trust; being judgmental, resentful and prone to attack destroy trust. Instill a mindset of respectfulness into your actions so trust among coworkers can flourish.
In my next post I’ll explore the fourth value and expectation: positivity. In the meantime, what do you think? What are your standards for truth, honesty and respect? Would your co-workers agree? I’d love to hear from you – you can reach me here and on LinkedIn here.