As a CEO, you have a multitude of responsibilities on your plate. Corporate productivity, financial performance, strategic direction, to name just a few. Is instilling a culture of trust on your plate as well? Studies suggest that it should be.
Organizations with a strong culture of trust are more productive and resilient than their competitors. According to a recent report from Stanford News, “promoting a culture of trust … rather than fear encourages collaboration and builds a creative workplace.” And a new study by the University of Sheffield in England reveals that organizations with a strong level of trust are 5% more productive than their industry peers. Being committed to trust in the workplace doesn’t just feel good, it’s good business.
Building trust takes a dedication of time and effort and must be demonstrated consistently time and again. One need look no further than the recent Volkswagen fiasco to see how quickly trust can evaporate when it is betrayed. As a CEO, all eyes are on you. Your trustworthiness is critical at all levels of the organization.
Here are 5 trust habits that effective leaders demonstrate.
1. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Sincerity is critical and sharing your true feelings, good or bad, will reassure your team that there is nothing to fear from hidden agendas or what is left unsaid.
2. Be passionate about keeping your promises. Effective CEOs recognize that the commitments they make to others are promises and should be treated as such. And if you break your promises, your team will think it is okay to do so, as well.
3. Insist on truthfulness within the organization. We’d all prefer to hear the good news, but tolerating dishonesty and lack of sincerity about the bad news can be an organization’s undoing—the fall of Enron being a strong example of this.
4. Be kind. Remember the golden rule. In good times and in bad, a firm and compassionate hand is always more effective than one that is swinging a stick.
5. ‘Choose’ to trust. To distrust is a choice. If you are looking to create a trusting environment, you musts be a trusting CEO. As in all things, you must lead by example.
Organizations where employees can put their trust safely in their CEO are more likely to be creative, less risk averse and productive. The bottom line is, trust is good business, and it starts with you.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
0
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
