Managers in growth organisations have multiple roles to play and continuously evolving responsibilities. They must instil a high performance mindset in their employees while creating a culture the foundation of which promotes teamwork. Importantly, managers must quickly earn trust from their colleagues to create team unity and collaboration that is based upon the fundamental principles of loyalty, communication, and transparency.
The best managers understand this. They are proactive in addressing the needs of their teams. They go out of their way to find new ways to uniquely motivate each team member. They are always aware of moods, mindset, attitude and engagement levels.
This can only be achieved through a high level of trust. Employees’ trust in and for their managers makes or breaks teams, and determines their performance.
Simply put, managers can’t hide if they have trouble earning trust. Here are four things you must do in order to build trust quickly as a manager (or to help keep your manager on their game):
- Build Rapport
Building rapport is no easy task. It requires you to be a great listener not just a good one. Managers who are listening take good notes, are quick to follow through and are responsible enough to proactively address your immediate needs and requirements to help you be more successful.
- Be Diplomatic
Learning how to be politically correct is a requirement these days. This means managers must always be mindful of doing the right thing – and at times making trade-offs in order to be given new opportunities and have greater influence down the road. Effective managers exercise good judgment and know how to pick and choose their battles. They are about supporting the team and believe in consensus-building methods to create harmony (especially when there are many egos involved).
- Establish Credibility
Effective managers must establish their credibility beyond a job title. The most effective managers always follow up, are true to their word, have a proven track record and have a reputation of getting things done. The best managers earn respect through performance. Not only do they drive business results, but they also serve as mentors who help teach others how to do the same. High performance managers get their hands dirty and are not afraid of rolling up their sleeves. Strong managers also establish credibility by being consistent in their approaches and styles in how they operate, how they get results and how they build teams and relationships within the organisation. Above all, they don’t have hidden agendas!
- Master Conflict Management
Managers who solve problems with clarity are extremely effective. Effective managers empower others to make suggestions and recommendations. They are masters at conflict management and are eloquent in addressing problems and getting others involved to find immediate resolutions. They view conflict as an opportunity to build new relationships and as a powerful learning moment to train their teams to manage conflict for themselves.
