Relationships, whether business or personal, all begin with trust. It is hard enough to forge trustworthy relationships in person, but the problem is compounded when physical distancing protocols make it impossible to meet teammates and discuss things face to face. Add the fact that human nature compels us to trust others in a world where not everyone is reliable, and it makes a very confusing scenario that can end up with the best of intentions going bad. Following are five ways to encourage trust in your long-distance work relationships to reap the most out of today’s remote work reality.
- Think Good of Others – It is always better to try and start off on the right foot – which means that you need to assume goodness in everyone you meet. The idea is to plant the seeds for a functional relationship built on positivity and friendliness to one another from the very start. This often generates a productive energy that each person can feed off, promoting a healthy work environment conducive to success.
- Be Open – If others cannot understand or approach you, then it will be difficult for them to trust you. Learn how to express yourself openly and do not be afraid to share how you feel. This is better than being cryptic and mysterious, causing colleagues to view you as strange or even suspicious – making it hard for trust to exist.
- Put Emphasis on Accountability – It is hard to be a trustworthy leader if nobody is being held accountable for their responsibilities. It is okay to give people a break occasionally when they make mistakes, but if someone continues to fail at something, then it must be addressed accordingly. Protecting someone from criticism will not only serve to anger other employees, it will also give rise to suspicions of favoritism. Treat people fairly – make sure everyone is equally answerable for their share of work.
- Be Helpful – When you are helpful, it shows coworkers that you can be trusted to come and support them when needed. Lend a hand when someone is coming up on an important deadline or back them up when they are unjustly blamed for something. No matter what kind of help you are giving, it will always be appreciated – and may turn a normal working relationship into one fortified with trust.
- Be Honest – The ultimate measurement of trustworthiness remains to be a person’s ability to be honest, regardless of the outcome. When your coworkers know you to be the kind of person to stand up for what is right and true, they will come to rely on your word, your opinion, and your insight. You will be a force that keeps things clear and encourages productivity and transparency in your workforce – and that makes you incredibly valuable to any organization.
When it comes to the remote workforce, few establishments have had more experience than Tukko Labs. Get in touch today and discover how our professionals can provide you with a distinct advantage over your competition.