This is the third in a series on trust-building in leadership.

Trust is the glue that enables people to function well together. Because we want to create a workplace that is safe and efficient, I ask our leaders to act as stewards of trust in relationships. These eight principles help them:

1. Trust in a relationship or an organization is built by acting with integrity. We call each other on slip-ups.

2. Trust is built over time through competence, commitment, & care. We trust what is predictable.

3. Trust is built as we preserve and build the significance of others. We make a practice of thanking each other.

4. Trust is built through bearing each others burdens. We trust those who serve us.

5. Trust is built through a rapid response to communication. We respond to phone calls and emails quickly.

6. Trust is built through humility. We set aside our individual rights in favor of the team.

7. Trust is built through personal contact. We don't just rely on email.

8. Trust is diminished by sarcasm and criticism. It's just not allowed in our workplace.

Tomorrow my final blog on the subject of trust deals with things I've done as a leader that have undermined trust.