Article by Clare Spratt
Trust creates psychologically safety, which allows people to truly be themselves, freely share concerns and identify friction points before they become pain points. This, in turn, has the potential to unlock personal breakthroughs, leading to team and business breakthroughs, which can increase productivity and help achieve business goals.
So, how can you create trust in the workplace? Perhaps most importantly, invest in self-awareness – because self-awareness helps you understand what you’re great at and any potential blind-spots; where and how you can add most value; how to challenge appropriately; and how to turn your ideas into new realities. Increased self-awareness leads to others-awareness, which helps you become more understanding and accepting of others, creating more effective ways of working and achieving better business outcomes.
Next, understand that, depending on personal preference, trust can manifest in different ways. People with a strong preference for action tend to develop trust through delivery, actively seeking out those who can help them, or the team, achieve success. Essentially, trust is earned when results are produced. For people who openly exude enthusiasm, trust comes from being included; that’s because it shows you have each other’s back. For people whose primary focus is relationships, trust is associated with shared values and loyalty. These people try to create an environment that enables others to be authentic and vulnerable; sharing thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Finally, people with a strong preference for self-contained introversion tend to equate trust with evidence, asking questions and seeking examples to prove that techniques and approaches have been successful in the past.
Now, apply all these elements together. With increased self-awareness and a better understanding of the different personality preferences, you’re better equipped to have open and honest conversations with colleagues that build trust at a personal level and keep activities moving along.
An example I often share with my learners, in terms of building trust, is the ‘rule of 5%’. This involves sharing your communication preferences with colleagues and seeking to understand theirs, then making a conscious effort to move toward them. By taking a 5% step towards the preference of others, everyone is 10% more aligned – and that makes a huge difference. That’s 10% more effective communications, 10% more productivity – and 10% more trust.
Another example I give learners is around demonstrating trust. Whatever role you’re playing, be inclusive and ask others their opinions; if an immediate response isn’t your colleague’s preference, give them the time they need. Listen to what they say and collaborate on the agreed course of action. If you’re in a leadership role, step back and allow your team to show they can be successful with this solid foundation in place. As a team, celebrate successes, recognise individual contributions, and depersonalise any failures by focussing on lessons learned.
I also talk about trust-based leadership and how important it is to be vulnerable and ‘show up’ authentically. It’s not about over sharing or revealing personal life details, it about creating a safe space to share risks and fears as a team. This allows everyone to start on a level playing field and buy into a shared vision. It also builds psychological safety, where risks and fears can be surfaced, so they can be addressed and resolved on the journey to success.
Whatever role you play in an organisation, or project, when you understand how to create the space for trust to develop, use positive behaviours consistently, and try to understand what people need from you, you create trust. When you encourage that behaviour across an organisation, you create a trusting workplace culture – and that’s what leads to business breakthroughs.
Clare Spratt People Development Consultant and Facilitator https://netleyconsulting.com/
After 18 years working in learning and development, I set up Netley Consulting, a boutique consultancy offering programme design, learning delivery, and workshops for leaders and their teams.
I help businesses achieve their goals by focusing on people; that’s because businesses only truly succeed when people feel valued, are supported to develop and grow, and there is a culture of mutual respect and appreciation.
July
10jul17:3023:00Rising Star Awards Ceremony 2025
10/07/2025 17:30 - 23:00(GMT+00:00)
The Londoner Hotel
38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX
Now in their eleventh year, the Rising Star Awards continue
Now in their eleventh year, the Rising Star Awards continue to be the first to spotlight the achievements of women below the Senior Management or Director level – showcasing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.
The awards also recognise the efforts of senior leaders who champion gender equality and put the spotlight on a “company of the year” that actively supports its female talent pipeline above and beyond industry norms.
The team at WeAreTheCity are excited to announce that we will be holding our Rising Star awards celebration for all winners, sponsors and judges on the evening of 10 July at The Londoner, Leicester Square.
Over the course of the evening we will be networking and celebrating the achievements of all of our 2025 winners, whilst enjoying the very best in entertainment from our live singers and strictly stars. An evening not to be missed!
For more information visit: wearethecity-risingstars.com
26julAll DayTessy's Brunches Presents: Engage HER
26/07/2025 All Day(GMT+00:00)
Stanley Stephenson Lounge
Crystal Palace Football Club, Holmesdale Road, London, SE25 6PU
Engage Her – July 26, 2025 Event Summary: Engage Her is a dynamic event focused on fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive
Event Summary: Engage Her is a dynamic event focused on fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive community of women. Through interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and engaging discussions, attendees will have the chance to share experiences, learn from one another, and grow together. This event aims to create a welcoming environment where women can support each other in their personal and professional journeys.
Highlights:
• Engaging workshops and interactive sessions encouraging active participation.
• Networking opportunities to expand personal and professional connections.
• Panel discussions with industry leaders sharing insights and experiences.
• Community-building activities to foster lasting relationships.
Mark your calendars for Engage Her on July 26, 2025, a vibrant event designed to connect and inspire women. Participate in interactive workshops, network with like-minded individuals, and join discussions with industry leaders. Build meaningful relationships and grow within a supportive community. Engage Her is your opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive together. Don’t miss out—register now!
Indulge in a sumptuous spread of delicious treats crafted to tantalize your taste buds.
Tickets are available for £50 and the event is open to all women. Let’s come together and support each other as we navigate the challenges of life. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tessy’s Brunches (www.tessysbrunches) is dedicated to creating a platform where unseen women become visible through networking and mentoring opportunities. Our mission is not only about recognising women but understanding and addressing their unique challenges.
Our aims are rooted in three core principles: Empower, Engage, and Elevate. We seek to empower women by inspiring personal growth and self-discovery. We aim to engage by fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive community. Finally, we strive to elevate by enhancing professional development and personal fulfilment. Through these pillars, we are dedicated to helping women overcome barriers, realize their potential, and achieve both personal and professional success.
#TessysBrunches #WomenPower #CelebrateWomen #InspiringChange #EmpowerHER #EngageHER #ElevateHER