How can you build trust in your coalition?

Defining vision and values is not an act you do at a retreat with trust falls. Vision and values are rooted in the motivation that the work must be led by the community voices that inspire the work. They should lead and direct the work - always. Building trust for nonprofit leaders starts with idea that the self-determination of local community is led by local community. Anything outside of that will be built on a platform that won't be entirely trusting.

Leaders must live the vision and values of the organization. Leaders actions, more than their words create the identity of the organization. Personal integrity and organizational integrity are synonymous in high performing organizations. Leaders are not only responsible for managing the direction of the organization, but for the development of integrity in those in their tutelage.

In my experience if employees experience role ambiguity this will reduce performance and increase mistrust within organizations. All employees should understand their roles and expectations. They should also be informed before expectations and roles change. To me, this goes beyond a job description and a chat with HR. We all have different learning styles and motivations - leaders must be skilled at identifying the employee's learning style and motivations, and coach accordingly. Humans are complex organisms and when gathered in organizations for a unified purpose the complexity grows exponentially. Leaders understand this and adjust expectations accordingly.

One thing I have found useful in building collaboration and communication is transparency. As leaders it is critical for us to demonstrate openness and transparency to our team members and strategic partners. We must take the lead by demonstrating an openness to engage others. Building personal relationships with others is the most effective way to develop trust and trust is the currency of communication and collaboration. Communication methods are vast, but they are meaningless without trust. Lead collaborative efforts by getting to know others and allowing them to get to know you.

To me, trust is built when you say you do the things you say you are going to do. Once there is enough evidence, people begin to become more and more trusting.