The Foundation of a Healthy Workplace: Trust
Trust is everything in the workplace, especially between a
manager and their team members. When trust is present, teams
thrive, communicate openly, and achieve great results. But when
trust is broken, the consequences can be severe. Let’s explore
what happens when trust is broken and how to repair it.
The Fallout of Broken Trust
When trust is broken, team members become disengaged,
hesitant to share ideas, and start looking over their shoulders.
Productivity suffers, and the team’s morale takes a hit. A Gallup
survey found that teams with low trust have 50% higher
turnover rates and 21% lower productivity [1].
Arranging a Conversation about Broken Trust
If you suspect trust is broken, it’s time to have a conversation.
Choose a private setting where team members feel comfortable
sharing their thoughts. Start with empathy and an open mind.
Where Was Trust Broken the First Time?
Reflect on past incidents that may have led to the breakdown of
trust. Was it a miscommunication, unmet expectations, or
something else? Identifying the root cause helps in addressing
the issue.
Other Times Trust Was Broken
Explore other instances where trust was compromised. Was it a
one-off incident or a pattern of behaviour? Understanding the
scope helps in creating a plan to move forward.
Discussing What Happened
Describe the incident(s) that led to the breakdown of trust.
Focus on the specific actions and how they were experienced by