By Dennis McIntee, CEO and founder, Leadership Development Group

Far too often, trust and communication are discussed in terms of romantic or familial relationships. However, they are just as important when it comes to professional relationships too. Sometimes we are baffled by how much overlap there is between the qualities of a healthy marriage and a healthy workplace!

Trust and communication are the cornerstones of healthy relationships because they enable hard conversations to take place and therefore increase the ability for growth. Growth is vital when we are serving our residents, strengthening our team, solving complex problems, and facing a shared obstacle.

It is not enough to be good at one or the other. Trust enables confidence to discuss hard things, but if you do not know how to communicate, you won’t be able to move forward. Here are six ways you can sharpen your trust and communication skills set:

  1. Communicate with transparency. People trust what they can see. When you see into people and allow them to see into you, they understand where you are coming from and your needs, as well as your intentions. Understanding each other’s intentions is a game changer in relationships.
  2. Keep your word. Do what you say you are going to do. And if for some reason you are unable to keep to your original intentions, communicate that too.
  3. See the best in others, and treat them accordingly. Some people make us feel good when we are around them. People behave how you believe them to be and can feel when you have their best interest at heart.
  4. Tell the truth quickly and compassionately. Clarity is kindness. No one likes a long-drawn-out explanation they already know and that is heading towards somewhere they didn’t want to go. Get to the facts and show kindness in your direct, compassionate delivery.
  5. Clarify how you expect to be treated emotionally and mentally. We teach other people how to treat us by the way we treat ourselves.
  6. When you communicate, be respectful. Above all else, this must ring true across the board in your professional interactions with one another and with your residents. Respect is an immediate trust builder.

Wondering about ways you can communicate better and build trust with your teams? Try out our Feedback Generator tool for two systems you can use today to create an environment where trust and communication can flourish.