How to build trust
Webinar:
What you will learn:
Why trust makes all the difference in your business results
Understand the 4 levels of trust and their impacts
Take action by using the 7 ways you can build trust with those around you
Building Trust in Leadership: Insights from Jimmy Burroughes
In a recent webinar hosted by Jens Heitland, leadership development expert Jimmy Burroughes delved into the critical role of trust in enhancing business performance and team dynamics. This blog post synthesizes key insights and practical strategies from the webinar, offering valuable guidance for leaders aiming to foster trust within their teams.
Introduction to Jimmy Burroughes and His Approach
Jimmy Burroughes, a former army officer and corporate GM, now runs Jimmy Burroughes Leadership (JBL), a consultancy dedicated to transforming leadership and team performance. His mission is to address workplace burnout by promoting people-centric performance through a program called Ways of Working, which focuses on trust, connection, and performance management.
Why Trust Matters
Trust is not just a feel-good concept; it is foundational to achieving substantial business results. Burroughes highlighted that while leadership and team development are often perceived as soft skills, they directly impact productivity, decision-making, communication, and overall team performance.
Understanding Trust
Trust can be an abstract concept. Burroughes emphasized that many leaders recognize its importance but struggle to define or cultivate it effectively. He introduced a framework for understanding and building trust through four levels: Cognitive, Aligned, Relational, and Emotional.
Cognitive Trust: Based on qualifications and initial impressions.
Aligned Trust: Developed through collaborative work and shared goals.
Relational Trust: Emerges from personal connections and shared experiences.
Emotional Trust: Deep trust formed through vulnerability and sharing fears or concerns.
The SERVICE Model for Building Trust
Burroughes presented the SERVICE model as a practical approach to building trust, consisting of seven key components:
Safety: Both physical and psychological safety are crucial. Leaders should ensure a safe working environment and foster a culture where employees feel secure to be themselves.
Expectations: Clear expectations regarding roles, processes, and cultural norms help build trust. Leaders must communicate these clearly to avoid ambiguity.
Reliability: Trust is built when leaders consistently do what they say they will do, have their team's back, and maintain control over situations.
Value: Leaders should align team values, demonstrate the economic worth of their work, and emphasize its social impact. This fosters a sense of purpose and commitment.
Inclusion: True inclusion goes beyond merely inviting diverse voices; it involves actively listening, seeking input, and encouraging collaboration.
Clarity: Providing a clear vision, strategy, and contingency plans helps teams understand their goals and feel prepared for challenges.
Empathy: Leaders must understand and see things from their team’s perspective, be present, give time and space for expression, and show genuine care for their well-being.
Practical Tips for Leaders
Reflect on Trust: Leaders should regularly assess their own understanding of trust and consider how they can model trustworthy behavior.
Engage in Honest Communication: Transparent and open communication builds a foundation of trust.
Be Consistent: Consistency in actions and decisions reinforces reliability and trustworthiness.
Show Genuine Care: Empathy and concern for employees' personal and professional well-being strengthen trust bonds.
Conclusion
Building trust is a continuous process that requires intentional effort and consistency. By applying the SERVICE model, leaders can take tangible steps to enhance trust within their teams, leading to improved performance, better communication, and a more positive workplace culture.
For further insights and personalized guidance, Jimmy Burroughes encourages leaders to reach out and connect via social media or through his consultancy, Jimmy Burroughes Leadership.
Join the Conversation
For those who missed the live webinar, feel free to post questions in the comments or connect directly with Jimmy Burroughes for more in-depth discussions on building trust and enhancing team performance. Visit We Are Succeed for additional leadership resources and upcoming webinars.
Contact Jimmy Burroughes
LinkedIn: Jimmy Burroughes
Email: info@jimmyburroughes.com