Getting Your Employees to Trust You

Don't beat yourself up for being a hard-nosed, take-no-prisoners supervisor. Sure, you thought it would earn you respect because your employees would fear you, but alas, it backfired. Young people--especially--do not fear authority. I won't elaborate, but get this one down pat, and your life as a leader will be dramatically improved. This is of course, why the term "leadership staff" is being pushed hard and the word "supervisor" being thrown out (with the bath water). Didn't you know? The word supervisor is the title of that guy who oversaw the folks pulling an oar on the Armistad slave ship. That's not you. The new PC term is leader or "the leadership staff'. So, how do you win back the trust that I lost with my style? First, understand a simple principle, employees prefer harmony and avoiding the stress that your management style produces. This desire for a harmonious workplace provides the hope that you can turn things around. You may have important personal issues to address to ensure the fundamental changes you desire. If that's the case, get a good book to assist you with these small behavioral change goals so you do not return to your former supervision style after practicing more functional leadership skills. You will need to fix one relationship at a time. This is also key. Forget the speeches. If practical, meet in private with each employee to acknowledge your supervision style and the changes you have committed to make in order to improve morale. Although you will feel vulnerable with this approach, it is the one that will accelerate regaining the trust you desire. You will soon discover that most employees respect authority and respond favorably to a more supportive supervision style. You might want to consider an ongoing dose of input to keep you on track from Supervisor Tips & Skills Newsletter