How to build a culture of trust in the workplace with CultureWise’s David Friedman

Last month we talked about the importance of employee trust in CEOs. David Friedman, Founder, and CEO of CultureWise and Author of his latest book, Culture by Design: How to Build a High-Performing Culture Even in the New Remote Work Environment joins us again today to continue the discussion on company culture.

There are a number of behaviors important to building any great organization. One of the behaviors that are the foundation of building trust is being transparent. Friedman says if we hide information, we start asking questions such as, what’s really going on here? If you share information, you build trust.

Friedman says, when he wants his employees to actually do the things that will lead to success, he tells them how well the company is or isn’t doing. When the company is doing successful, he says it likely leads employees to continue doing those things that will lead them and the company to more success.

When trust has been broken, we’re fighting an uphill battle, says Friedman. In order to rebuild trust, you make and honor commitments. Do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it. He says to either rebuild trust in a broken relationship or build trust in a new relationship.

Friedman believes the same things are important to people in a remote environment, then when people weren’t remote. The challenge is when you’re in a remote environment, you have to be intentional about it. He says, you now have to schedule time, to make sure you’re not just doing business but asking about the employee, personally. Even writing a hand note can go a long way says, Friedman.

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