Impactful Inclusion Toolkit

ACTIVITY 25Foster an Environment of Trust

“In the end, you have to choose whether or not to trust someone.”

—Sophie Kinsella

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Trust is a significant factor in any relationship—even those in the workplace. Trust or lack thereof dictates our interactions with one another. That small hint of “something is not quite right” is usually an indicator of a lack of trust. Sometimes it's subtle, like when you notice a colleague who is warm and friendly with some co-workers and has a demeanor that's cold and distant in your presence, or the time when your teammate “accidentally” omitted a substantial fact you needed for the success of a presentation, and you were called out on it. Sure. They apologized, but it came across as insincere. Then there's the utter distrust that happens when you discover that a colleague was deliberately less than truthful with information or gave their word and did not follow through, leaving you in a predicament. Where there is a lack of trust, we tend to be more guarded during conversation, suspicious of motives, or worse, avoid conversation altogether unless absolutely necessary. Who wants to be in an environment at least 40 hours per week with folks we can't trust? Not only is it uncomfortable, but it also adds stress that could be avoided should trust exist. Trust in working relationships contributes to inclusive company cultures and our sense of belonging. When we demonstrate that we can be trusted, connections are stronger. Others get the assurance ...