All of us are very reluctant to follow a leader we don’t trust.  As a manager, there are a number of things we can do consciously or unconsciously to build or destroy trust.  Let’s call these trust builders and trust busters. 

Trust builders include:

• Being as open and transparent as possible
• Admitting if you are wrong or don’t know
• Showing interest in people and what they are doing
• Being consistent
• Being available

Trust busters include

• Lack of communication
• Hidden agendas
• Showing favorites
• Being inconsistent
• Not being available to listen to people

As leaders we must be cognizant of factors that build and destroy trust; once destroyed it can be very difficult to get back.  It is almost impossible to lead an organization successfully in an environment without trust, and essential to have trust in order to thrive.  ALMA conferences feature roundtable discussions in which peer laboratory managers share insights, experiences, and challenges.  This year’s conference includes a roundtable discussion on trust in an organization.  We welcome and invite you to share your ideas and challenges, and hear what other lab managers are doing in this key area of leadership.