10 Hallmarks of High Trust Organizations

Is trust high in your organization?

Effective team functioning is critical across all sectors, but may be especially important for "flat" organizations like many nonprofits and NGOs where staff and volunteers wear so many hats and interface so regularly. Robert T. Whipple of Leadergrow suggests looking at the following indicators:

1. High trust organizations deal with problems quickly and efficiently.
2. Rather than exhibiting defensiveness, people in high trust organizations instead focus energy on serving the mission and reaching toward the vision.
3. Efficient, targeted and information-laden communication replaces rumors, gossip, and complaints.
4. Staffers and volunteers show passion for their work. It's palpable and positive.
5. When trust is high, people describe the atmosphere as "real" and show respect for each other, even when disagreeing.
6. Workers in high trust organizations find ways to reduce distractions, stay focused, and efficiently produce high quality work.
7. Leaders are allowed to make mistakes in high trust organizations, and also allow others to do so. Perfection is not expected, nor required.
8. High trust organizations keep a constant focus on opportunities for personal and professional growth and development.
9. When trust is high, praise and other forms of positive reinforcement work well because it is sincere and well-executed.
10. The atmosphere is refreshing, light, and productive in high trust organizations.

 Does this describe your workplace? If not, what steps can you take today to build more trust?

Read Bob's full article, "10 Hallmarks of High Trust Organizations."

Tip submitted by Laura Deaton.