What’s missing from corporate culture can be summarized in one word

I believe that success happens when we build trusted relationships with ourselves and with others.

When you lead with honesty and transparency, you show up in alignment with your purpose, move up the spiral of possibility, and see your life as a contribution. When you are honest with yourself and have deep levels of trust with others, the transformation in your life, your business, and your career knows no limits. 

And yet, managers, business owners, and leaders across industries and organizations keep finding themselves beating their heads against the wall: Why are employees leaving? Why aren’t people committed to career progression? Why is productivity suffering and not scaling? 

Fear. 

Fear is a catalyst for breaking and eroding trust. When we are in fear, we don’t trust ourselves let alone the people around us. Distrust and fear create an environment of hostility and resentment. Of quiet conversations in corners and a diminishing of ideas and innovation. Fear leads people to disconnect from their work as they feel disconnected from themselves - a sure path to reduced productivity and impact. 

Without trust, there is no foundation on which to build a relationship, to have a conversation, to relate to another human being. We are relational beings - it is in our nature to connect with others and find in them a kindred spirit, a common ground, a confidante. Someone who will listen to us with an open mind and an open heart.  

Unfortunately, many aren’t finding they can speak openly or honestly in the workplace. 

Many see beyond the smoke and mirrors: the manipulation of metrics to appease the powers that be, that give lip service to the values printed in your employee handbook and hanging on your wall. Unfortunately, they further deteriorate employee loyalty and efficiency.

Attrition rates and the perceived generational gap could be closed significantly with one change of focus: integrity. Show up and do what you say you’re going to do. As an organization, as a leader, this is the first step to foster a culture of trust. It’s a critical step in earning the trust of your employees which only reverberates out to your clients, customers, and shareholders. 

Distrust can be misplaced as overwork or lack of prioritization as employees feel worried rather than empowered to get the job done. While remote work comes with a host of benefits, it also creates isolation and the perception that we aren’t in it together, but rather we’re drowning on our own without someone to throw us a life saver. 

People are overwhelmed and headed to burnout because they can’t express themselves in a way that feels safe and without risk. They don’t trust that what they say out loud won’t be held against them. The problem perpetuates itself as everyone waits for the next shoe to drop: will they be the next layoff or nicely asked to go? 

But there are businesses out there that are thriving across all industries (yes, even in tech too). Why? Because they’re focused on the things that matter. Not the abstract things that get the accolades but on the ways they can support and empower their people. It’s not about slapping on more benefits, but taking away unnecessary and burdensome tasks; to moving on from the “do less with more” mantra and evolving our way of working beyond “working for work’s sake”. 

If you’re ready and committed to step up in your organization as a leader, get back to the basics: 

Restore trust with yourself so that you can build trust with others

This is foundational to leadership. Make a commitment to yourself, show up, and follow through. Start small, make it simple. Rinse and repeat. 

Revisit your why

 Work with your team to get aligned on your north star, your common purpose, your rally cry. Allow input and collaboration amongst the team to work towards an agreement. 

Get vulnerable 

Admit when you’re wrong and ask for help when you need it. Share examples with your team to further strengthen relationships. 

Focus on what’s working

Eliminate fear and negativity by understanding, leveraging, and acknowledging strengths, for no other reason then it just feels better, it feels good to focus on the good things. It also helps your team to know who to go to for help and when.

And keep going… because:

When we build trust, we all win.

Kirsten Schmidtke is a professional coach, speaker, and lover of lake life. She works with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs to help them up-level their careers, businesses, and lives. Are you ready to explore what’s possible for you? Contact Kirsten to start the conversation!