How can sharing bad news be a good thing to do? It is not easy to deliver bad news. Even so, as July PM author Patrick Malone advises in “Creating a Culture of Trust,” sharing bad news sends a strong message to staff that they can be trusted to use the information and react appropriately.

Trust is an important part of today’s organizational culture. Here are other ways that this culture can be created:

• As a manager, put yourself in a vulnerable position and share a bit of personal information. Trust is not something that is earned, it is something that a leader gives.
• Do not hoard information. Be transparent. Failure to provide information can create a culture of mistrust and suspicion.
• Take responsibility. Support team members in a professional and decent manner, while still holding them accountable for their performance at the appropriate time and in the appropriate place.

There are also many symptoms in an organization that is falling short on the trust front. To find out more on the power of trust, check the July PM.

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