In this article, co-authors Galford and Drapeau define the primary components of trust, identify five common ways that trust can be eroded in the workplace and present managers with mechanisms for rebuilding trust once trust has been broken. According to Galford and Drapeau trust is the key component of top-level corporate performance and without it, employees will disengage from their work, spread rumors, and/or start updating their resume.
This article struck many chords with me as basically the article gave a name to most of the problems that occur in my workplace and have perhaps led to high turnover. Misplaced benevolence is a particularly pervasive enemy of trust in my workplace. The example given in the text about co-workers working around someone who is a known poor performer describes many situations I have encountered. I am among those who have discussed these issues with management and have been astounded by the lack of follow through to address or correct continued behaviors. Management would rather accept responsibility for their failure to address issues than to actually address the issue. Owning up to the loss of trust is a step in the rebuilding process, but not the only step, and hardly the most important step. I will keep this article handy at all times. As an aspiring leader, I may one day be responsible for eroding trust, and will need to take an active role in the rebuilding process. Team building is an ongoing process, and one that is easy to neglect.
LO2: Demonstrate the ability to assess complex organizational environments and achieve communication goals
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