When I asked 37 students about the biggest challenges to trust in leadership, their responses revealed a common theme: a lack of communication and transparency. They described situations where leaders kept important information to themselves, made decisions without team input, and broke promises. This kind of environment fosters distrust and disconnect and is the opposite of inclusive.

Communication and Transparency: The Heartbeat of Trust

Imagine working in a place where decisions are made behind closed doors and changes are sprung on you without warning. It's frustrating, right? My students shared stories of leaders not informing employees about upcoming changes, decisions made without consultation, and promises that were never kept. It's no surprise that such practices lead to a breakdown in trust and an environment where inclusion is not even on the radar.

Key Takeaways for Building Trust:

• Open Communication: Share information openly with your team. Transparency builds trust.

• Inclusive Decision-Making: Involve your team in decisions. It makes everyone feel valued and respected.

• Keep Your Promises: If you make a promise, keep it. Consistency in actions builds credibility.

Lesson Learned: Keep It Clear, Keep It Open

Transparency fosters trust; secrets create rust. Being open and honest with your team is not just good practice, it's essential for a healthy work environment.

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