internal trust

Internal trust is vital if people are to focus their energies on delivering outcomes, rather than being seen to deliver process.

Trust is established through the authority having a collective focus. This allows staff to:

• Understand how others are operating.
• Trust that others are as committed as they are.

Trust is not the same as liking someone. Having internal trust doesn't mean everyone will be great friends; it just means people will work together effectively.

This in turn creates:

• A better flow of communication. Staff are more likely to make suggestions and take on board suggestions from others, so ideas can be built on and mutual conclusions reached.
• Happier staff. This comes from staff all pulling in the same direction.
• Increased productivity. Internal trust is reflected in an absence of gossip and back-stabbing; so staff spend less time competing and more time collectively focusing on outputs.

How do I create trust in my team/authority?

• Clarify what you're doing and why.
• Make sure people spend time with each other.
• Help people to be comfortable with challenging others and being challenged themselves.
• Encourage people to modestly self promote.