I conducted a virtual workshop last week on creating a more positive workplace. The insights of the thoughtful and engaged participants were phenomenal! In the weeks to come I will be sharing highlights from the program. We discussed handling disagreements, forming good work habits, and charting a course for a positive future.

Here are some of the take-aways from one of our first discussion points, “What makes an ideal workplace?”

• Trust is a cornerstone of effective teams and work groups. 

• All of the behaviors associated with an ideal workplace are factors in building trust.

• The only way to build trust and build relationships is to go to the source, every time. When you talk about others, behind their backs, trust is diminished.

• While a negative interaction could occur between two people, the others who observe will recognize that the behavior they are witnessing could also happen to them. Trust can be lost through this indirect group dynamic.

• It is best to have course corrections in the moment. A little discomfort can build trust, although a lot of discomfort does not ever build trust.

What makes an ideal workplace for you?