Building a Culture of Trust

• NCJ Number: 255955
• Author(s): Z. Ruby White Starr
• Date Published: 2020
• Length: 7 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2016-XV-GX-K015
• Agencies: OVC-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description; Instructional Material

Annotation

This report outlines objectives and exercises for building a culture of trust in an organization, which involves the building of connections that can foster trust, engaging in relationship-building and development of a strong leadership team, and promoting development opportunities between and among staff.

Abstract

The report discusses steps for developing a plan to build connections in an organization that can foster trust, engaging in relationship-building and development of a strong leadership team, and promoting communication and development opportunities between and among staff. Suggestions for developing a plan to build connections that can foster trust include 1) developing a subcommittee that includes individuals who represent all levels and areas of the organization; 2) charging the subcommittee with developing a plan that includes strategies and a timeline of activities that will foster trust; and 3) implementing activities and having the committee monitor whether and how trust is impacted; and 4) assessing how to maintain and continue to build trust and suggest ways that staff and leadership can institutionalize it. Suggestions for engaging in relationship-building and development of a strong leadership team include ensuring the inclusion or addition of members to the leadership team from marginalized groups and engaging in a process that includes activities to name past harms, examine the roles of those involved, and identify what is needed to move forward. Suggestions for the promotion of communications and development opportunities between and among staff include identifying and involving an expert to provide technical assistance on organization development that builds trust and generates dialogue. A handout provides a template to name past harms, examine the roles of those involved, and identify what is needed to prevent recurrence of each harm.