Do not change your opinions and values too often
As the Harvard Business Review states, a certain personal integrity, reliability and consistency are key traits of any inspiring leader. If you are unpredictable and often change your views and positions unexpectedly, people will not know what to think about you and they will not trust you.
Follow the rules you insist subordinates adhere to
Do not preach water and drink wine. All the rules introduced in your team by yourself or by company management apply to you just as much as to everyone else. If team members see you not as an equal but as someone who is above the law, you will never earn their trust.
Do not demand the impossible
Too many leaders have their head in the clouds. In order to motivate employees, managers frequently try to present fantastic visions and plans; however, these are often unrealistic and, after some time, they fail. Yes, on the one hand you do need to give your team a vision to inspire them to perform better, but at the same time you must keep your feet on the ground and present realistic plans.
Do not break whatever promises you make
Another obvious (yet crucial) step in earning the trust of employees is keeping your word. If you promise something, be it big or small, you must always keep your word and not just hope employees will forget what it was you promised.
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