3 embarrassingly simple tips to increase staff trust

Stepping into a new building as the leader one of the first things I had to do was build trust.  The staff has gone through three different leaders in the three short years the program had been running.  Gaining their trust helps to create a safe and orderly environment for learning. Something that ripples through our school culture and helps support our students both academically and socially. ​

Ask for Help:
As the new Principal one of the first things I did was ask for help.  I was looking to create a schedule that accommodated the needs of the staff while still providing building level support for students. By asking for help in making a daily schedule, I was able develop trust by clearly showing that I was taking their needs into consideration.  Asking for help demonstrates vulnerability and makes it clear that you don’t believe that you have all the answers.  

Offer Help:
Simply asking “how can I help” shows empathy.  It demonstrates that you understand the stress and the time constraints that your teachers are under.  I have a special education teacher who is swamped with getting ready for her IEP’s and student follow up. The previous week I asked if there was anything I could do to help support her.  At that time she said that she had everything under control.  The next week while I was walking down the hall to do a pre observation she asked for some assistance in putting her lesson plans online.  By offering to help and then following through I showed I was reliable and true to my word.  

Give Thanks:
Offering a staff member sincere acknowledgement of what they’ve contributed shows them that you see the hard work that they’re putting in and that you aren’t taking it for granted.  We have a teacher in a leadership position who consistently pulls staff together. She hosts staff get togethers, facilitates small learning communities and provides support in numerous other areas both big and small.  Publicly giving thanks for her efforts at our staff meeting creates a culture of openness, support and trust.  

Being humble and asking for help, helping as needed and showing gratitude are simple ways to build staff trust. What are your quick tips for building a culture of trust? Please share in the comment section below.

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For more short articles and tips that support educational leaders check out my blog at the  www.howtobeagreatprincpal.com and order my newest book How To Be A Great Principal: 36 Shared Leadership Success Strategies.  If you’re an auditory learner you can download my podcast The Principal Entrepreneur, on itunes and podomatic, new episodes weekly.  If you’re interested in sharing your experience as an edleader please email me at jonathanroyce@theprincipalentrepreneur.com Finally, I’m part of a  community of supportive principals please join our private FB group.