8 Behaviors That Lead to Loss of Trust As a Manager

While it’s essential to actively engage in behaviours that promote trust, it’s equally important to get rid of the ones that kill it.

Credit: Author

What’s the most important factor that impacts an employee’s motivation at work? The level of trust they feel towards their manager.

High levels of trust make them feel valued, energize them to work harder, and make them persist through difficulties and setbacks. Knowing that they’re being looked after keeps them focused on the task without being distracted by the uncertainties in their environment. A mistake — a wrong decision, bad strategy, poor execution — isn’t looked down upon. Trust enables employees to prioritize intent over action.

Low levels of trust reverse the equation, negatively impacting their productivity and performance. They are constantly on the lookout, watching how their actions will be perceived.

Time and energy that’s better spent doing work are wasted in useless arguments and discussions. Lack of trust turns minor disappointments into significant setbacks. A negative outlook breeds suspicion, frustration, and resentment which leads to poor quality work.