www.workforce.com - 12 July 2002

How do you get employees to trust you? Here are some well-known words and phrases to remind you:

·         Learn from and take responsibility for your mistakes

·         Probe

·         Ask helpful and discerning questions

·         Always ask a lot of questions

·         Ask everyone questions

·         Listen and clarify

·         When someone makes a statement, respond with "Because ..." and explain the rationalization

·         Don't fake it

·         Wait for others to speak first

·         Confront unethical behavior

·         Protect others

·         Be patient

·         Ask "How can we make it better?"

·         Be honest and consistent

·         Give complete answers

·         Explain reasons for your decisions

·         Ask "your thinking is ...?"

·         Avoid taking sides

·         Protect confidentiality

·         Say "Help me understand ..." when you want to learn more about a situation

·         Be aware of your motives

·         Use accurate facts

·         Be flexible

·         Relax

·         Be willing to be helpful

·         Recognize others and show interest and respect

·         Laugh and have fun

·         Express confidence in others

·         Say "Tell me the reason ... " when someone does not include full explanations for their behaviors

·         Ask for others' ideas

·         Support others' decisions

·         Be accessible

·         Trust others

·         Create partnerships

·         Share and communicate information