How to Build Trust Through Clear Communication

There is one fundamental step that helps turn criticism into constructive feedback. Before launching into a grievance or explaining to someone what they did wrong, gather your thoughts and your intentions, and then Set the Table. Setting the Table Tell the recipient that you have some feedback you’d like to share and ask them when they have a few minutes for the discussion. The invitation helps to frame the situation before getting into the details, and the request itself gives the other party agency and choice. They can shift their focus and their energy and tell you that now would be fine, or they can acknowledge something else that is pressing or distracting that must be completed first. Either way, they are now part of the decision to engage rather than feeling like an unprepared target. As the provider of the feedback, this simple act of setting the table also helps you to soften your approach and become appropriately vulnerable to the dialogue as well. Rather than continuing the conversation that you’ve been playing out in your head or catching the other person off-guard when they are focused on something else, setting the table brings both parties together to engage in the feedback. If you ever watched this play out, there is both a physical and an emotional shift in both parties. The results are also dramatically different. Just this week, I was asked by a friend if I had a few minutes for some feedback. He set the table, and I received the request. His feedback was clear, gracious, and warranted. I was so grateful for his approach and when we concluded our talk, I felt even closer to him than I did before. Setting the Table builds trust and allows us to move forward together. Crazy to think that one sentence that takes only a few seconds to deliver can remove or reduce weeks of resentment and anger. #CompanyCulture #Communication #UndividedLife

The Transparency Trap: How to Avoid the # 1 Communication Mistake That's Sabotaging Your Leadership Are you falling into the "Transparency Trap" without even realizing it? 😲 You might think you're being open and honest with your team… But in reality, you could be creating confusion, disengagement, and a lack of trust. 😞 And that's where the trouble begins. 🚫 But don't worry. I'm here to help you avoid this common pitfall and unlock the true power of transparency! Because the truth is, our definition of transparency might not always align with what our team members really need. That's why it's essential to start by defining transparency together. Ask yourself: 🎯 What information is critical for your team to do their jobs effectively? ⏰ When do they need to know it? Is it urgent, or can it wait? 🗣️ How do your team members prefer to receive updates? It's not just about sharing information; it's about sharing the right information, at the right time, in the right way. Here's a simple framework for building a transparent communication strategy: 📣 Create Awareness – Let your team know what changes are coming and why they matter. Be clear about what you know and what you don't know. 🤷 Own Your Unknowns – If you don't have all the answers, say so. Commit to providing updates as soon as you have more information. 🔥 Foster Desire – Help your team understand how transparency benefits them personally. Encourage them to ask questions and seek out information. 📖 Share Knowledge – Make sure information is easily accessible and easy to understand. Use multiple channels to reinforce key messages. Here's a real-life example to drive this point home: 💡 I once worked with a leader who thought she had transparency all figured out. She'd send out detailed memos, invite everyone to weekly meetings, and CC the entire team on every email. But despite her efforts, her team was still confused, disengaged, and always wondering what was happening behind the scenes. The turning point came when she started asking her team what THEY needed from her. By tailoring her communication style to her team's needs, she was able to create a transparent culture that kept everyone informed and engaged. So, leader, are you ready to escape the Transparency Trap and take your leadership to the next level? 🚀 Let’s talk about it! Now, it's your turn.  Take a moment to reflect on your current transparency practices. What small changes could you make to better align with your team's needs? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below. Let's inspire each other to build more transparent, high-performing teams! Your team (and your career) will thank you! 😉 #LeadershipGoals #TransparencyWins #EngagedTeams #CultureCurators #PremierRapport

In the C-Suite, "𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣" rings particularly true for leaders and their Chiefs of Staff. Trust is foundational to this relationship, and it’s crucial to establish it upfront and maintain it through pressures and trials. From my years coaching senior leaders and their Chiefs of Staff, here are what I see as the most effective trust-building habits: 𝟭. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Trust is rooted in transparency, always and in all ways. Model open and regular communication. 𝟮. 𝗨𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Keep promises and own up to errors. This solidifies trust and fosters an environment of responsibility. 𝟯. 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Beyond articulating your own ideas, actively listen to others. Empathy and attentive listening bolster mutual trust. 𝟰. 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: Recognize that vulnerability isn't weakness; it's a human trait that deepens connections and creates a healthy atmosphere for open dialogue. No downside to it! Now, over to you: How do you cultivate trust in your leadership? Drop your thoughts and experiences below. #chiefofstaff #trust #leadership #csuiteleaders