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Ever Wonder Why Building Trust in Small Businesses Is So Tough?

Writer's picture: Doland WhiteDoland White

Trust in small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can be like the holy grail—everyone wants it, but it's tough to find. Why is that? Let's explore some reasons.


SMEs are usually tight-knit "communities" where everyone knows everyone. While this can be great for camaraderie, it also means there's a lot of pressure. People may have to constantly prove themselves, leading to competition rather than cooperation. When you're worried about job security, being open and trusting is hard.


Then there's the lack of formal processes. Big companies have established ways to ensure transparency and accountability, but SMEs often fly by the seat of their pants.


Without clear systems, communication can become muddled, and people may feel unsure about what's expected of them. This uncertainty can make trust difficult to build.



In smaller businesses, leaders are usually more hands-on. Their attention is driven by "DO" and "MANAGE." If they don't walk the talk—like breaking promises or playing favorites—it sends a clear message to the team that trust isn't a priority. Leaders set the tone, and trust is unlikely to flourish if they don't foster it.


And let's remember CHANGE. SMEs often pivot quickly to adapt to new opportunities or challenges. While this agility is a strength, it can also create a sense of instability. If employees feel like the ground is constantly shifting, it's hard for them to trust in the company's direction or in their leaders' decisions.


So, what's the fix? It starts with leaders making a real effort to build a culture of trust.

"Teams don't trust leaders who don't trust them"- Doland White

This means being consistent and transparent in communication, setting up clear systems of accountability, and genuinely caring about the team's well-being. Building strong relationships and showing that you value your team can make a big difference.


Trust isn't something you can build overnight. It takes time, consistency, and a real commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels secure and valued. But when you get it right, the payoff is a team that's more cohesive, motivated, and ready to take on whatever comes their way.


 

Want to know more about leadership and how to create an empowered team? Download my ebook - "LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE"

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