As library leaders, it is important for employees to hear that you trust them. Of course, you have already placed trust in your employees – you have hired them! But saying the words out loud is powerful. It is an agreement, an understanding, and it requires commitment from both parties. The first commitment is on the part of the library leader who is extending trust. She is saying, “I trust you to do your best and to consider your actions. I also trust you to speak up when you need help, or when something goes wrong. I can’t help if I don’t know that a problem exists.” The second commitment is on the part of the employee. By accepting the trust of the supervisor, the employee promises to do their best not to let the supervisor down, but also to trust her at her word – that she will support the employee if a mistake occurs. These three words can change the way employees view library leaders, but they can also change how employees view themselves. Saying, “I trust you,” creates a learning opportunity, and a chance for employees to grow, which is empowering.
