Contrary to popular belief, the best employees aren’t always the smartest or most self-assured people in the room.
According to Ranjay Gulati, a professor at Harvard Business School, it’s trustworthiness that distinguishes high performers. Trustworthiness is paramount, and CEOs prioritize this trait in their employees as it forms the foundation of all professional relationships.
Gulati emphasizes that trust has two critical aspects in the workplace: character-based trust and competency-based trust. He explains how many workers focus solely on proving their skills rather than building character-based trust, when both are important for career progression.
Why trust matters at work
Trust is beneficial to both employers and employees as it sets a positive tone within teams and fosters solid professional relationships. Trustworthy employees hold sway in organizations and have a more significant influence and access to valuable resources, says Gulati.
How to build trust with your co-workers and boss
Building trust is a slow but steadily progressing process. Reliability and transparency are crucial in this regard, along with empathy and acknowledging colleagues’ emotions.
Gulati advocates the significance of vulnerability that includes being honest about mistakes, and recognizing and appreciating the work of others. Ultimately, building trust comes from making others feel valued, respected, and seen.
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