From boss to coach: building trust and engagement in the workplace
3 minute read
Summary: This episode emphasizes empathy in leadership, the power of proactive culture-building, and the importance of genuinely listening to employees. Managers should see themselves as enablers and coaches, focusing on both results and relationships to create a culture where employees feel valued and engaged.
Conversation highlights on building trust and engagement in the workplace
Garry Ridge: I think about the times I’ve talked to people about being a coach rather than a boss. A boss is someone who says, “Do this because I said so.” But a coach is someone who says, “Do this because you’ll learn and grow from it.”
Davin Salvigo: Exactly, Garry. It’s not about being on top of people; it’s about standing beside them. There’s so much power in that shift from “boss” to “coach.” When you coach, you’re invested in their growth, not just the results.
Amish Sha: Yes, and when people feel that investment, they respond differently. They’re more likely to trust you, and trust is really the currency of a good workplace culture.
Garry Ridge: Right, Amish. It’s amazing to see the difference it makes when leaders truly connect with their team members. It’s like the difference between being on a team where you feel like just another number and being somewhere where you actually feel valued.
Davin Salvigo: And that feeling of being valued is such a key part of engagement. When someone cares about your growth, it’s a completely different experience.
Amish Sha: Exactly. It’s a ripple effect. People who feel valued and connected want to do their best work. They want to stick around and contribute meaningfully.
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For the whole conversation, listen to the episode on Spotify, iTunes, or HeartRadio.
What’s the story behind QDS?
Kem Krest is a certified minority-owned business (MBE) that provides comprehensive solutions for fulfillment, chemical packaging, supply chain management, e-commerce, and aftersales. Since 1979, Kem Krest has built its reputation through end-to-end fulfillment of packaged chemicals and service parts for OEM partners in the transportation and mobility industries. Today, Kem Krest has expanded into numerous industries, focusing on Supply Chain optimization while ensuring the highest quality and customer service.
Key points on building trust and engagement in the workplace from Amish Shah:
- The Manager’s Role: Managers should focus on removing roadblocks for their teams. The roadblocks vary and require careful listening and adaptation.
- Creating Belonging: Belonging is critical for retention. Authenticity comes from asking people what they value—flexibility, compensation, benefits, or workplace relationships—and acting accordingly.
- Listening Beyond Surveys: Engagement surveys provide data, but to foster trust and genuine improvement, they must be followed by intentional actions based on employee feedback.
- Challenges of Proactivity: Proactive culture-building can be difficult but is necessary to avoid costly turnover. Amish compares it to exercising—hard at first but beneficial over time.
Key points on building trust and engagement in the workplace from Garry Ridge and Davin Salvagno:
- The Coaching Mindset: Leadership should resemble coaching. A coach’s role is to guide, empower, and develop the team without overshadowing individual achievements.
- Avoiding Managerial Overreach: Managers, like coaches, should stay on the sideline, guiding players toward growth rather than taking over tasks.
