Our standard Check Ride assessment focuses on two critical aspects of leadership: Building Trust, and Building Confidence. Without these two things, you can manage a team, but you will have immense difficulty leading a team.
The first criteria we look at in Building Trust is to "Communicate openly, transparently, and clearly with focus and conviction." So, why is this important?
I would be shocked if at this exact moment you didn't have a number of reasons why this is important popping up in your head but let's look at a few anyway.
In my experience, I have found it very difficult to trust someone I couldn't see through. What I mean by that, is that if I cannot see your role in the team, your motivations, and your actions that back those up, I begin to wonder, what hidden agenda are you pushing? That isn't me trusting you, that is just the opposite.
In line with that, it isn't just that communication is open and transparent, it needs to be clear, comprehensive, and confident. Leaders know where they are going, and demonstrating to your followers not only that you have a clear vision, but that you believe in it, boosts that trust.
What other reasons have you seen that demonstrate why communication is important for building trust?
-Alexander Cook MEng, MBA, PEng, PMP
Image Source: https://www.xremo.com/blogs/7